The map of anti-trans risk has polarized into two Americas - one where trans people have full legal protections, and one where they are persecuted by the state.
I wanted to thank you Erin. You are thorough and comprehensive unlike any other news source and you know how vital this is to all of us. I recognize the hard work you do and as discouraging as this map is I am grateful we have you to put it together for us. Keep up the stellar reporting and make sure to take time for yourself. I am so proud of you.
My 17-year-old trans son and I rely on you for information. Every time we look at one of your maps he says, “Wow, look at all the people who hate me!” After this last map came out, the sea of red was hard to take. I reminded him that the physical size of states doesn’t represent their population. So, he printed out a bar chart of population by state then highlighted each state bar in colors from your map. I think helped us both understand how many people are currently affected by trans laws in their state and how many people (slightly more than half the country) live in safe states. If it’s not too difficult for you to include a chart along with your maps I think it would add another level of insight to the data.
It’s heartbreaking, as you know, for him to see how many states in this country have laws that threaten his rights and humanity, and to realize we can’t travel safely to visit his grandparents in FL. But we agree we can’t stick our heads in the sand. We are fortunate to live in CA, but we want to support and protect all trans people.
If you haven’t heard it enough, you are amazing. Your work is appealing. Thank you!!! Cheryl
It’s sad, but highly appropriate, that Florida has its own special risk level. Sadly, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Texas and Tennessee soon follow down the same path
I have a question. Wouldn’t conducting genital exams, testing for chromosomes or any kind of blood test, or any of the methods Florida thinks they’re going to use to investigate to prove a person is transgender violate the federal HIPPA laws? What makes Florida government think they have power over a federal law?
This doubles as a map of where fascism is strongest in America. Thank you Erin for tracking these hateful laws and letting the world know what is happening.
Thank you for putting these maps together. I’m wondering how to make sense of risk degree at the federal level – are many state-level protections likely to go kaput next time Republicans get all-chamber control of the federal government (which seems likely to happen at least once in the next ten years)? Are some of these protections being passed likely to withstand that? Do you think it’s even possible or worthwhile to speculate on that right now?
I'm very glad that Erin created the "do not travel" category.
One of the problems we face is that, like many disfavored groups, it's hard for us to fully accept our peril in certain situations. We automatically assume that people can't act so evilly. I don't like demonizing people -- who often don't understand their error -- so I don't place DeSantis in the same category as Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot or Idi Amin.
But regardless of any lack of evil in their hearts, such people are evil in their deeds; and you mustn't try to reason with them. They aren't listening. People like DeSantis have already formed their conception of what it means to be trans, and they won't listen to us. Fleeing the State is the sensible solution. And visiting Florida is insane.
As I have been saying for a long time, extremism by the "trans activists" (note the quotes) is a precursor to what we are experiencing now. That doesn't mean that people like DeSantis, Knowles, Walsh and others are blameless; far from it. But it does mean they were provoked. There is lots of blame to go around.
Unfortunately, things have reached the point where no one is listening. It's a regrettable fact, but fact is what it is. Get the hell out of Dodge.
As always, thank you so much for your dedication and for the countless hours you must spend researching all of this. Is there a list of states with bathroom bans? I know Florida is the worst, but I don't even want to travel through a state where I could be arrested for that.
Thank you Erin. I imagine your daily work is painful. Bless you for being consistent and brilliant, out here explaining all the worst so we might know exactly what we are facing. Wishing you rest and peace where you can find them.
Thank you for shedding light on a very impoetant subject. It is a difficult time to be a transgender person or the parent of one. My daughter and I left SC for SF, CA and while it has made finances more difficult, our quality of life is so much better. Now, we don't travel anywhere that is restrictive and we don't spend $$ on any companies in those states.
I wanted to thank you Erin. You are thorough and comprehensive unlike any other news source and you know how vital this is to all of us. I recognize the hard work you do and as discouraging as this map is I am grateful we have you to put it together for us. Keep up the stellar reporting and make sure to take time for yourself. I am so proud of you.
Thank you, Erin!
My 17-year-old trans son and I rely on you for information. Every time we look at one of your maps he says, “Wow, look at all the people who hate me!” After this last map came out, the sea of red was hard to take. I reminded him that the physical size of states doesn’t represent their population. So, he printed out a bar chart of population by state then highlighted each state bar in colors from your map. I think helped us both understand how many people are currently affected by trans laws in their state and how many people (slightly more than half the country) live in safe states. If it’s not too difficult for you to include a chart along with your maps I think it would add another level of insight to the data.
It’s heartbreaking, as you know, for him to see how many states in this country have laws that threaten his rights and humanity, and to realize we can’t travel safely to visit his grandparents in FL. But we agree we can’t stick our heads in the sand. We are fortunate to live in CA, but we want to support and protect all trans people.
If you haven’t heard it enough, you are amazing. Your work is appealing. Thank you!!! Cheryl
It’s sad, but highly appropriate, that Florida has its own special risk level. Sadly, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Texas and Tennessee soon follow down the same path
On Twitter or in the next update, could we please see a comparison of the first map and the latest map? Thank you for your work
I have a question. Wouldn’t conducting genital exams, testing for chromosomes or any kind of blood test, or any of the methods Florida thinks they’re going to use to investigate to prove a person is transgender violate the federal HIPPA laws? What makes Florida government think they have power over a federal law?
This doubles as a map of where fascism is strongest in America. Thank you Erin for tracking these hateful laws and letting the world know what is happening.
Florida getting a whole new color that has never been on the map or map key before is chilling.
Thank you for putting these maps together. I’m wondering how to make sense of risk degree at the federal level – are many state-level protections likely to go kaput next time Republicans get all-chamber control of the federal government (which seems likely to happen at least once in the next ten years)? Are some of these protections being passed likely to withstand that? Do you think it’s even possible or worthwhile to speculate on that right now?
I'm very glad that Erin created the "do not travel" category.
One of the problems we face is that, like many disfavored groups, it's hard for us to fully accept our peril in certain situations. We automatically assume that people can't act so evilly. I don't like demonizing people -- who often don't understand their error -- so I don't place DeSantis in the same category as Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot or Idi Amin.
But regardless of any lack of evil in their hearts, such people are evil in their deeds; and you mustn't try to reason with them. They aren't listening. People like DeSantis have already formed their conception of what it means to be trans, and they won't listen to us. Fleeing the State is the sensible solution. And visiting Florida is insane.
As I have been saying for a long time, extremism by the "trans activists" (note the quotes) is a precursor to what we are experiencing now. That doesn't mean that people like DeSantis, Knowles, Walsh and others are blameless; far from it. But it does mean they were provoked. There is lots of blame to go around.
Unfortunately, things have reached the point where no one is listening. It's a regrettable fact, but fact is what it is. Get the hell out of Dodge.
Thank you. You are the top transgender journalist. People are going to take action based on your information and it is going to save people's lives.
As always, thank you so much for your dedication and for the countless hours you must spend researching all of this. Is there a list of states with bathroom bans? I know Florida is the worst, but I don't even want to travel through a state where I could be arrested for that.
Thank you so much for your work! It is greatly appreciated. :)
you missed North Carolina in your at risk states listing....
Thank you Erin. I imagine your daily work is painful. Bless you for being consistent and brilliant, out here explaining all the worst so we might know exactly what we are facing. Wishing you rest and peace where you can find them.
Thank you very much for all of your hard work Erin! Your tireless efforts are always appreciated.
I might have to look further into my coworkers suggestion of Vietnam should this relentless pace of persecution continue.
Thank you for shedding light on a very impoetant subject. It is a difficult time to be a transgender person or the parent of one. My daughter and I left SC for SF, CA and while it has made finances more difficult, our quality of life is so much better. Now, we don't travel anywhere that is restrictive and we don't spend $$ on any companies in those states.