Growing Number of Transgender and Non-Binary Young People Are Leaving the US

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Earlier in 2024, nearly half of transgender and non-binary people admitted they were considering leaving the US. Many have left their home states, while a growing number are leaving the country altogether. 

Gender refugees

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Over 100 million people left their countries due to risks regarding their gender or sexuality, dubbed the gender refugees, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights reported. But, at the time the report came out, the US was still among the countries that celebrated diversity. 

What’s happening in the US?

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In the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) polling in February 2024, 47 percent or 92,000 transgender and nonbinary people surveyed said they were considering relocating. Around 5 percent of those polled have already moved due to a high number of anti-LGBTQ legislations. 

The decline of rights in recent years

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Every year since 2020 has brought more legislation that went against LGBTQ+ liberties. This year is heading to be another record-breaking, with over 400 bills aimed at the LGBTQ+ community so far, the ACLU reported. The Trevor Project found that 1/3 of the LGBTQ youth, ages 13 to 24, had mental health issues increased due to the current climate.

Switching states 

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The NCTE report found that many families or individuals left states with the harshest anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, including Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, and Texas. However, no precise numbers were given. For many, switching from state to state was not enough.

Moving to LGBTQ+-friendly countries 

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Rainbow Railroad in Canada and TRANSport have seen an increase in Americans leaving their home country. The list of most popular countries includes Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Germany, but people are willing to travel further from Europe to regain their safety.

Trans Rights Map

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TRANSport offers a map for transgender and non-binary people that shows where it would be easiest for them to fit in. One such place is New Zealand, which provides better healthcare access. But relocating comes with a cost and lots of paperwork. 

LGBTQ+ youth seek peaceful places 

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Many accused politicians of spreading misinformation, but what influences their decisions are also the healthcare system, gun laws, and how countries respond to violence. Some trans people who used TRANSport also shared that the US became desensitized to violence. 

Pricey move

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The move costs tens of thousands of dollars, but TRANSpost does paperwork for people, and so far, they have helped dozens find their new homes. Lillian Guetter, the president of the Fargo Pride Collective and a TRANSport collaborator, told Vice News that she wished TRANSport did not have to exist, but due to the rise of transphobia, she is happy it does. 

Personal trauma made TRANSport 

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The founder, Rynn Azerial Willgohs, escaped the States at 50, and her personal experience and current legislation inspired her to start TRANSport. The new non-profit’s founder was originally from North Dakota but now lives in Iceland. Willgohs, a trans woman, said Iceland is more progressive and treats each other more humanely. 

Most people leaving are in their 20s

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Willgohs was surprised that most people willing to leave were in their 20s because they usually believed they could change things. But, a 2021 ACLU study found that trans and non-binary Americans are four times more likely to be victims of violent crimes. 

Ways to get away

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Once a person comes into contact with Willgohs, whose offices are in Oklahoma, she gives them a list of things to provide. One common way to get quicker access is through ancestry, where those with proper lineage gain visas. TRANSport’s help also includes shipping medications, and the prices are reduced to around $2,000. 

Only a small share of Americans are transgender

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Despite the high number of bills targeting transgender or nonbinary, only around 5 percent of Americans belong to these categories. Even lesser is the number of those who had surgeries. Pew report found that 2 percent are trans men or trans women, and 3 percent are non-binary. 

Top 3 U.S. States That Almost No One Leaves (And for Good Reason)

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Top 3 U.S. States That Almost No One Leaves (And for Good Reason)

Kate Smith, a self-proclaimed word nerd who relishes the power of language to inform, entertain, and inspire. Kate's passion for sharing knowledge and sparking meaningful conversations fuels her every word.