Conversation

One reason I wish we had universal healthcare and universal housing in the US, beyond wanting basic dignity and care for everyone, is that it traps people in toxic and abusive relationships.

Here in Southern California, multiple members of my found family and queer friend network have been caught with toxic or abusive partners in their living situation. Because monthly rent on a one bedroom is basically as high as the median income around here (eat your landlord), trying to leave or asking your partner to leave is effectively making someone homeless or forced to move into another toxic situation. And we don't want to make other trans folks homeless even if they hurt us.

This means that people don't feel like they can take this step until it gets so dangerous someone is likely to end up dead or at least deeply traumatized. Universal housing and healthcare are domestic violence issues are feminist issues are LGBTQ issues.