This map shows the 2-year risk for anti-trans laws. For the first time, included in this release is a new adult map showing the risk for trans adults in the United States.
Its so weird to have states that I can not or should not travel to. Like conceptually its so bizarre to me. Like there are states where if I were to travel to them and simply exist as myself then I'd have to risk legal trouble (or more depending on who is involved). This is so bizarre. Hell even in so called safe states, going outside of the metro areas can be a gamble if you don't "pass".
Like I have tons of emotions around this, but the primary one right now is just how strange this is. Crossing imaginary lines puts me at risk.
Thank you for continuing to update and tirelessly research the ever shifting landscape. As a parent of an older trans teenager, the adult map is also hugely helpful because we not only have to plan for now, we have to plan for when he turns 18. I could never thank you enough for your help.
Let me add here, from a Gen X, straight, white dude, that this map is helpful. Why? It helps me decide where I will and will not spend money. Since the NAACP advised about Florida, that state was already on my own Do Not Travel list. Along with various other shenanigans, Tennessee is pretty much there, too.
It makes a difference. I tell my friends and acquaintances, and hopefully, they tell theirs. At a minimum, speak with your pocketbook, wallet, or purse. My family is not going to Florida next year for vacation.
Erin, thank you as ever for your tireless work in monitoring the situation for us across the nation. Next time you’re in town, I’ll happily treat ya to a Sounders game, if you want to bring your lady love and we’ll make a double date of it and we’ll grab katsu curry burgers beforehand! But please, do take care of yourself, I can’t even stomach a tenth of these bills and idiots screaming about us before I’m in the most bloody minded funk, I have no idea how you handle it. It’s humbling and amazing and always always appreciated.
Speaking on current legal framework and machinations, Ohio may be moderate, but I’m willing to bet it’ll go deep red in the next 6-12 months. That place is stuffed to the rafters with the dumbest sorts, after all, Florida man is a retired Ohioan. Source: I grew up there.
Sometimes I'm reminded, of how lucky I am, to live in the America where people are generally free. Your map is not only a guide to places that are friendly and not, but a contrast between different outlooks on the future of our society. We can't take anything for granted.
I will very likely be driving across the country (from Chicago to Seattle) with my partner in October. It was disheartening to see North Dakota and Montana both in dark red on your adult risk map. I'm going anyway, but I'll be a lot more wary until we cross the state line from Idaho into Washington.
As an older adult I’m glad to see you adding a map for adults. I spent many years feeling comfortable traveling without having to worry about my safety. It’s depressing to see my world shrinking.
Important question, if you were born in a state where you can’t change a certificate and you move to a safer state, are you still able to change documents like drivers licenses and passports?
Thank you for keeping us informed. Your writing has inspired me to stir up some justice action at my church. At our first meeting I was very happy to see so many talented and caring people working for this important cause.
I used to live in Oklahoma (Norman, a college town so a bit more liberal than the rest of the state), and I still have friends there. I had no idea it had gotten so bad for us there until I read this article. I had a trip planned to visit said friends, but I'm canceling it. Erin, you are saving lives, and may very well have saved mine. Thank you so much!
Erin, these maps are so useful and well-researched, and so many people are grateful to you for the work you do! Thank you. Regarding the maps, I think it’s interesting (and very sad) how the youth GAC ban map is essentially the 2020 electoral map of states carried by Democrats vs. the GOP, with only rare exceptions (such as GA). Regarding the adult map, I wonder if Missouri should be included in the worst states - they tried to implement a horribly restrictive adult ban a few months ago, and though it was invalidated by a court, it caused lots of distress, and the fact that they tried so hard concerns me that they will try again at some point. Of course, the biggest concern is the possibility of federal legislation, executive orders, or court rulings that would essentially turn every state dark red. Erin, I’m glad you addressed this possibility in your comments re. the safe blue states - it’s something to really worry about and plan for.
Erin, thanks for your amazing work on this. I’d been using translegislation.com along with your map as sources for advocacy work I’ve been doing at my job to protect our trans employees. But looking at your spreadsheet it seems the other website may not be as accurate. I can’t figure out who is behind the website so inherently trust your data more. Do you know what the discrepancy is, like if they’re counting broader anti LGBTQ legislation? I want to be sure I’m citing accurate numbers in my work. Thank you so much!
We need to make the republicans pay next year, but it will take a lot of campaign work. Keep in mind the worse states on this list aren’t even being targeted by the DNC for campaign funding, backwards thinking that has what Erin shows here as an outcome
Its so weird to have states that I can not or should not travel to. Like conceptually its so bizarre to me. Like there are states where if I were to travel to them and simply exist as myself then I'd have to risk legal trouble (or more depending on who is involved). This is so bizarre. Hell even in so called safe states, going outside of the metro areas can be a gamble if you don't "pass".
Like I have tons of emotions around this, but the primary one right now is just how strange this is. Crossing imaginary lines puts me at risk.
Thank you for continuing to update and tirelessly research the ever shifting landscape. As a parent of an older trans teenager, the adult map is also hugely helpful because we not only have to plan for now, we have to plan for when he turns 18. I could never thank you enough for your help.
Let me add here, from a Gen X, straight, white dude, that this map is helpful. Why? It helps me decide where I will and will not spend money. Since the NAACP advised about Florida, that state was already on my own Do Not Travel list. Along with various other shenanigans, Tennessee is pretty much there, too.
It makes a difference. I tell my friends and acquaintances, and hopefully, they tell theirs. At a minimum, speak with your pocketbook, wallet, or purse. My family is not going to Florida next year for vacation.
Erin, thank you as ever for your tireless work in monitoring the situation for us across the nation. Next time you’re in town, I’ll happily treat ya to a Sounders game, if you want to bring your lady love and we’ll make a double date of it and we’ll grab katsu curry burgers beforehand! But please, do take care of yourself, I can’t even stomach a tenth of these bills and idiots screaming about us before I’m in the most bloody minded funk, I have no idea how you handle it. It’s humbling and amazing and always always appreciated.
Speaking on current legal framework and machinations, Ohio may be moderate, but I’m willing to bet it’ll go deep red in the next 6-12 months. That place is stuffed to the rafters with the dumbest sorts, after all, Florida man is a retired Ohioan. Source: I grew up there.
Sometimes I'm reminded, of how lucky I am, to live in the America where people are generally free. Your map is not only a guide to places that are friendly and not, but a contrast between different outlooks on the future of our society. We can't take anything for granted.
I will very likely be driving across the country (from Chicago to Seattle) with my partner in October. It was disheartening to see North Dakota and Montana both in dark red on your adult risk map. I'm going anyway, but I'll be a lot more wary until we cross the state line from Idaho into Washington.
Thanks for all the great work you do.
As an older adult I’m glad to see you adding a map for adults. I spent many years feeling comfortable traveling without having to worry about my safety. It’s depressing to see my world shrinking.
532 bills! You have a strong stomach.
As a foreigner I view the US as little better than Russia in terms of trans safety. Sadly.
I’ve got a layover in Miami for a business trip. No coffee for me. I think I pass well enough for most purposes, but it still worries me.
Important question, if you were born in a state where you can’t change a certificate and you move to a safer state, are you still able to change documents like drivers licenses and passports?
Thank you for keeping us informed. Your writing has inspired me to stir up some justice action at my church. At our first meeting I was very happy to see so many talented and caring people working for this important cause.
I used to live in Oklahoma (Norman, a college town so a bit more liberal than the rest of the state), and I still have friends there. I had no idea it had gotten so bad for us there until I read this article. I had a trip planned to visit said friends, but I'm canceling it. Erin, you are saving lives, and may very well have saved mine. Thank you so much!
Erin, these maps are so useful and well-researched, and so many people are grateful to you for the work you do! Thank you. Regarding the maps, I think it’s interesting (and very sad) how the youth GAC ban map is essentially the 2020 electoral map of states carried by Democrats vs. the GOP, with only rare exceptions (such as GA). Regarding the adult map, I wonder if Missouri should be included in the worst states - they tried to implement a horribly restrictive adult ban a few months ago, and though it was invalidated by a court, it caused lots of distress, and the fact that they tried so hard concerns me that they will try again at some point. Of course, the biggest concern is the possibility of federal legislation, executive orders, or court rulings that would essentially turn every state dark red. Erin, I’m glad you addressed this possibility in your comments re. the safe blue states - it’s something to really worry about and plan for.
Erin, thanks for your amazing work on this. I’d been using translegislation.com along with your map as sources for advocacy work I’ve been doing at my job to protect our trans employees. But looking at your spreadsheet it seems the other website may not be as accurate. I can’t figure out who is behind the website so inherently trust your data more. Do you know what the discrepancy is, like if they’re counting broader anti LGBTQ legislation? I want to be sure I’m citing accurate numbers in my work. Thank you so much!
Maybe you should add cities to your map and make them bluer; Boston will remove gender identities from marriage licenses: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/08/29/metro/gender-identity-marriage-licenses/
We need to make the republicans pay next year, but it will take a lot of campaign work. Keep in mind the worse states on this list aren’t even being targeted by the DNC for campaign funding, backwards thinking that has what Erin shows here as an outcome