Thirteen years ago, All Nations Housing Co-operative was formed – a small but determined group with a bold vision: to create safe, secure, and culturally diverse housing for our community. At that time the co-op didn’t have any properties, just a deep commitment to building something groundbreaking – the world’s first transgender housing co-operative.
Even without properties, the co-op held regular monthly meetings, keeping its governance strong and purpose clear. The co-op worked closely with Common Equity NSW (CENSW), which offered vital guidance and support. But outside of CENSW, gaining recognition – or meaningful support – from other organisations in the housing sector was a constant struggle.
“Many couldn’t grasp how a co-op could exist without properties, and they struggled to see the significance of what we were building: a co-operative that places the needs, safety and dignity of trans and gender diverse people at its core, alongside other culturally diverse members.
Despite these challenges, we kept going. We knew that secure, affordable housing was – and still is – a life-saving need for our communities, especially for trans people who face significant barriers to safe housing due to discrimination, economic exclusion and health challenges. All Nations was always about more than just housing – it was about creating a safe space where we could belong, heal and thrive.
Over the years, our membership changed. Some of our founding and early members had to step away due to work, family responsibilities or health issues. But each member’s story reinforced why our co-op was so vital – because secure housing isn’t just about having a roof over your head. It’s about stability, wellbeing and the ability to live authentically.
After more than a decade of persistence, our determination paid off when we were finally given the opportunity to secure actual properties. Today, we are working closely with CENSW even more to make these homes a reality. All Nations is now moving from vision to reality – a historic milestone, as we become the first operational transgender housing co-op in the world.
Our story shows that community-led housing, grounded in lived experience and built on strong partnerships, can break new ground. Our relationship with CENSW, City of Sydney and Homes NSW demonstrates that when the housing sector listens to the voices of those most affected by housing insecurity, real and innovative solutions can emerge.
As we enter this exciting new chapter, All Nations remains true to our founding values: cultural inclusion, community participation and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that trans and gender diverse people – along with others who have historically been pushed to the margins – have access to safe, secure and affordable housing.
All Nations Housing Co-operative is more than just a place to live – it’s a community built on care, resilience and the belief that by working together, we can create the future we deserve.”