Maine sparks backlash with plans to build LGBTQ+ only housing complex

A plan to build affordable housing specifically for the LGBTQ+ community in Portland, Maine has drawn backlash - with some questioning the legality of the project.

The Equality Community Center, located in an old bank in the heart of the city, is set to break ground on its new five-story housing unit for members of the LGBTQ+ community who are 55 and older in the fall. It is then scheduled to open in the spring of 2026.

The complex will include 54 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, including 11 that are designated for those with disabilities or who are living with HIV or AIDS, according to News Center Maine.

Funding for the project comes from MaineHousing's affordable tax credits, federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, a commercial bank loan and a 75 percent increment finance district awarded by the city of Portland, Mainebiz reports. 

It is expected to cost $15million.

But some online say the plan is discriminatory, and public funds should not be used to build it.

The Equality Community Center is set to break ground on its new five-story housing unit for members of the LGBTQ+ community who are 55 and older in the fall

'According to the Fair Housing Act, housing discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal,' popular conservative account 'LibsofTikTok' posted on X.

'How is this legal?'

Another X user wrote that 'taxpayers will now be forced to pay for housing for the LGBTQ+ community.'

'This is what Democratic-Socialism looks like - your taxes, their benefits,' he claimed.

Craig Chamberlin, host of The Craig Chamberlin Show, also slammed the plan as discriminatory.

'This goes to show you that group movements like this were never about equal rights - it was always about politicians granting special rights to preferred groups who will vote for them.'

The popular LibsofTikTok page questioned the legality of the project

Craig Chamberlin suggested the project is a ploy by politicians to grant special rights to groups that would vote for them

In the face of the backlash, advocates for the project say it is filling a gap for a vulnerable population.

'To have something right [in] downtown Portland for the LGBTQ community to be part of is huge,' Ed Gardner, a developer and founding member of the ECC who donated the land for the project, told News Center Maine.

He explained that the low housing complex will bring older LGBTQ+ adults under one roof, who may not have children who can take care of them as they age.

At the new complex, Gardner said, residents will be able to find acceptance and services - including resources for those with HIV and AIDS.

'I think we'll be able to see them come out and be more part of the community rather than be stuck in their homes and not have anybody to socialize with,' Gardner said. 

It will also provide residents with access to social services, healthcare, transportation, entertainment and recreation, according to the ECC's Facebook page. 

Another X user described the project as Democratic-Socialism

Christina Caulfield, a volunteer at the ECC - which houses nearly 20 organizations for the LGBTQ+ community - also said the residents will be able to benefit by having the facility right next door.

'This place brings not only a positive place, a place where you can live with people who [aren't] going to be awful to you, but it's connected to this,' she said, referring to the ECC.

'So it's a place to live and community all put together in one spot.' 

More than 100 prospective residents have already applied for one of the apartments, Executive Director Chris O'Connor said.

Once complete, it will be the second LGBTQ-centered affordable housing complex in New England, as one is already being built in Boston.

Others have also sprung up in Fort Lauderdale, San Diego, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia.