Shelters adapt to help trans homeless
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that help is harder to find for the transgender homeless, whose nontraditional gender status raises questions about sleeping arrangements and shower facilities.
Shelters in Atlanta and Austin are revamping acceptance policies and weighing the creation of trans-friendly spaces. The Atlanta Union Mission is considering expanding one or more of its six shelters to accommodate transgender people.
A poll last year conducted by San Francisco’s Transgender Law Center found that 20 percent of trans people reported having been homeless, a third of whom were denied access to a shelter.
Scout leader accused of sex abuse
The Pittsburgh Channel reports The Boy Scouts of America revoked Dr. David Allen Evanko’s membership April 1 after learning that state police charged him with statutory rape and corruption of minors.
“He’s shocked. His feelings are hurt deeply. He feels betrayed,” said Evanko’s attorney, David DeFazio.
Evanko, 55, of Butler, performs some contract work for the county’s Children and Youth Services Department.
Police allege Evanko was sexually involved with two males ages 13-16 at various times from 1989-95. Both boys were members of the Butler County Boy Scouts when they became acquainted with Evanko, state police said.
“I believe completely my client is innocent. I find it unfortunate the law may permit a charge like this to come out of the woodwork after 20 years,” DeFazio said.
Gay ex-Playboy employee sues
365gay.com reports that Playboy magazine’s former fashion director claims he was fired because of his sexual orientation and his age.
Joseph DeAcetis, 45, filed a lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court alleging the magazine’s editorial director “made fun” of him because he is gay and his hair is gray, and that the director referred to homosexuals as “girls.”
Playboy spokeswoman Elizabeth Austin says the company “takes these allegations very seriously” and has been investigating internally.
— Larry Nichols