Jerusalem – Israel Earmarks Extra Funds For LGBT Community And Transgender ‘Hostel’

Jerusalem – In recognition of the International Day Against Homophobia, the Ministry of Social Affairs announced a budget increase of 3 million shekels (US$785,000) on Tuesday to go toward Israeli LGBT community centers.

Bringing the yearly budget to a total of 8 million shekels (US$2.1 million), the money will go toward gay centers across Israel and help establish programming for at-risk LGBT youth, housing, and therapy support groups.

A “hostel” for transgender youth undergoing transition is also in the works, the Ministry of Social Affairs said. The hostel is expected to cost 1 million shekels ($US260,000) annually and to open in 2016. This is in addition to an existing residence for young trans women (who are undergoing a male-to-female transition), which has already been up and running for a year.

“The residence provides a roof and a home, a trans-feminine space, in which the young trans women can express themselves, feel secure and belong, and complete the process of transition,” the Ministry of Social Affairs’ statement said.

“Following the success of the residence, one for young trans men (female-to-male) is expected to open,ye

operating in a similar way,” the statement said.

The Ministry of Social Affairs expects to spend a total of 1.5 million shekels (nearly US$400,000) annually on the transgender hostels and residences.