In America’s largest cities, Democratic leaders have mastered the art of fake caring. They stage elaborate shows complete with press conferences and ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Meanwhile, the real suffering on their streets? That goes unaddressed. (And we’re supposed to applaud?) The latest act in this ongoing tragedy reveals just how far these politicians have strayed from serving all their citizens equally.

Across New York City, thousands of homeless people struggle to find safe shelter each night. Veterans sleep on park benches. Families huddle in doorways. The mentally ill wander the streets without care. Yet city officials have found a new way to address this crisis. How? By playing favorites based on fashionable identity politics.

From The Post Millennial:

New York City officials announced Tuesday the opening of a new, city-funded homeless shelter specifically dedicated to assisting “transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC)” individuals.

Named “Ace’s Place,” the facility is operated by the Bronx-based LGBTQ+ nonprofit Destination Tomorrow and is located in Queens. The shelter is the first of its kind in the country to receive full city funding specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals.

This week, New York City unveiled its latest taxpayer-funded project. It’s a $65 million homeless shelter that will serve only transgender and “gender non-conforming” people. (That means people who don’t identify as male or female.) Named “Ace’s Place,” this Bronx facility is the first government-funded shelter in the nation to discriminate based on gender identity. Guess who can’t get in? Pretty much every other homeless person in the city.

Millions for Identity Politics

The numbers alone should shock any taxpayer. The city will spend $65 million through 2030. For just 150 beds. (Yes, you read that right.) That breaks down to over $433,000 per bed over five years. Think about that. We could provide services to hundreds more homeless people with that money. If we actually wanted to help everyone, that is.

The facility came from a 2021 lawsuit settlement with a transgender activist. So basically, one lawsuit forced taxpayers to fund exclusive accommodations. Meanwhile, the broader homeless crisis? It just keeps getting worse. But hey, at least the politicians get their woke points, right?

Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park praised the shelter. She said it’s “strengthening the safety net for transgender New Yorkers at a time when their rights are roundly under attack.” I have a question. What about the rights of the thousands of other homeless people? You know, the ones who won’t have access to this lavishly funded facility? Their safety net apparently matters less.

While Real Problems Go Unsolved

NYC Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola cut through the nonsense with refreshing clarity. “Every New Yorker should feel safe in our shelter system,” she said. “But instead of fixing the system for everyone, the city is spending $65 million to build a separate facility based on gender identity.” Her idea? Use those millions to hire more shelter police officers and social workers. That would improve safety across ALL shelters. (What a concept!)

Ariola nailed it. While city officials tout their “groundbreaking” achievement, they’re creating a two-tier system. Some homeless people get premium services based on their gender identity. Others? Including veterans, families, and the elderly? They get overcrowded shelters with deteriorating conditions. How is that fair?

The Pattern of Misplaced Priorities

This shelter represents more than just wasteful spending. It shows the moral bankruptcy of modern Democratic governance. These leaders care more about ideological virtue signaling than practical solutions. They’ve abandoned their duty to serve all citizens equally. (Remember when that used to matter?)

The facility will offer “wraparound services in a trauma-informed setting.” Plus culinary arts programs. Job training. Psychiatric care. Every homeless person desperately needs these services. But only a select few will get them. Why? Because they claim the right identity.

Is this even legal? Good question. Using taxpayer funds to create exclusive facilities based on identity raises serious constitutional concerns. We’re talking about equal protection under the law here. But city officials? They seem more concerned with earning progressive gold stars.

Key Takeaways

• NYC spent $65 million on an exclusive transgender-only homeless shelter
• Veterans and families remain excluded while identity politics gets premium funding
• One shelter bed costs taxpayers $433,000 over five years
• Democrats prioritize woke theater over helping all homeless equally

Sources: The Post Millennial, Fox News