From Stonewall to Stonewalled: Recognizing and Addressing LGBTQ+ Barriers in Rural and Urban Human Trafficking Service Models

The LGBTQ+ community is a broad community that encompasses folks from various racial backgrounds, abilities, faiths, genders, socioeconomic statuses, and nearly every other identifiable way of grouping people. As we know, anyone can be a survivor of trafficking, including LGBTQ+ folks who exist across a spectrum of marginalization. The identities of queer people often become politicized, relegated, and a source for oppression. Compounding factors, including societal ostracization and poverty, can lead to increased vulnerabilities that can culminate into human trafficking, homelessness, and anxiety related to traditional service implementation models. There is even further divide in the effectiveness in service provision and outreach in rural and urban areas. This webinar will offer a deep dive into the unique situations of LGBTQ+ people and how those manifest into trafficking, as well as the nuances in rural versus urban service implementation for queer survivors seeking housing stability.

Download – Stonewall to Stonewalled Presentation slides

Presenter: Danni Hickey, Anti-Trafficking Housing Specialist, International Rescue Committee

Danni Hickey (They/She/He) graduated from Florida State University in the summer of 2019 with a degree in History, and a minor in Gender Studies. From there, Danni began working in the human services field. Danni began their career running a temporary homeless shelter for The Salvation Army of Tallahassee and upon successful completion of the grant, moved into the permanent role of case manager. Following a tenure with The Salvation Army, Danni transitioned to Catholic Charities where they served as Program Specialist for the Tallahassee office. At Catholic Charities, Danni executed and oversaw the housing programs offered by the agency in 8 counties. Currently, Danni serves as the Housing Specialist for survivors of trafficking on behalf of the International Rescue Committee. Through this position, Danni assists survivors with accessing shelter and permanent housing. Along the way, Danni has been engaging with a two-year program to achieve a Master of Social Work and a Master of Public Administration. For the graduation requirement for the MPA, Danni conducted a comparative study on urban and rural emergency shelter programs for LGBTQ+ folks and effectiveness of addressing housing insecurity. Danni was awarded an Exemplary Award for this work by the Reubin O’D Askew School of Public Administration & Policy. Danni’s passions are advocacy and community organizing as it pertains to queer rights and autonomy. Danni believes in using individual voices to lift communities into equality, sustainability, and independence regardless of age, identity, ability, or background.

STAC needs your support to sustain these important webinars. Will you donate today? Each gift helps to bring this vital information to the many people who are empowering survivors and preventing human trafficking. The only way we can maintain these programs and this work is with YOUR help.

Suggested donation: $20