Thank you for all you do Erin, this is amazing work you have done as usual in updating the US LGBTQIA+ Safety Map for all of us to be informed on.
One thing I want to highlight is that FL is getting worse especially for prisoners which I am linking an article on the discrimination and transphobia that LGBTQIA+ prisoners in FL are experiencing bc of all the hatred and bills being passed
These maps are always well-researched and helpful, but as the first map put out since the November election, there is a key element missing here - perhaps because the answer isn’t clearly known. That is, of the blue states, which ones will be the most effective (and motivated) at resisting federal anti-trans legislation? Because moves at the federal level are now the real risk - right-wing extremists are being nominated to Cabinet positions, and they will lose no time in implementing the harshest nation-wide policies against trans people. They will stop at nothing. So given that state-level protections are the only remaining bulwark of protection, how safe are we supposed to feel in a given blue state? Especially IDs and medical care ? It’s important to keep in mind that even with the state level protections, the power of the federal gov’t is formidable - especially when some of its leaders seem bent on foaming-at-the-mouth hostility. Federal laws normally override state laws - or do they?
By the way, I agree with downgrading Washington DC’s safety level. It is very sad that that needed to be done. And I’m happy that the other Washington (the western state) has upgraded back to the safest states category.
So, pragmatically, I don't expect anything big to happen on a federal level until after June, when SCOTUS rules on the Tenn case, the most we can expect to happen is the 'defining male and female' bill that congress put up that is a complete nothing, non-enforceable bill, and Trump's promises to with executive orders:
1) Cut federal aid to places that 'promote gender ideology'
and
2) Likely cut ACA support for gender affirming care, this is actually not very possible with how Bostock was ruled, but the SCOTUS can obviously change its mind.
IDs are issued by the state. They will not be affected by anything on a federal level. Passports on the other hand are suspect, I don't recommend getting an 'X' on your passport if you are planning to get one.
I tipped Erin 5 bucks just to comment here, she deserves it, but I really wanted to provide some information.
Prepare for the worst anyway, stock up on HRT, get your prescriptions filled, see if you can get your endo to label your HRT as a hormone imbalance treatment rather than a gender dysphoria treatment, but don't bank on that.
This is our concern as well in Minnesota. Gov. Walz hasn't said anything about the plan for our blue refuge state. Either I'm missing something, or he's not planning anything new. And as you said, does it matter with Federal laws that I'm sure the new administration is going to put into place gleefully? edit: to correct sanctuary to refuge... sorry.
I'd love to see Democrats nationally imitate the strategy of Machaela Cavanaugh here in Nebraska. Filibuster and delay EVERYTHING, regardless of if the legislation is related to trans people or not, until Republicans drop their anti-trans legislation in other bills. This has proved effective thus far in Nebraska as the state lags behind other red states in passing anti-trans legislation despite a Republican supermajority. Nebraska has only managed to pass a surgery ban and the proposed sports and bathroom ban from last year failed. The Republicans will try again this year and it bears scrutiny to see if they will try to pass the same legislation as before or try to get away with more to "catch up" with other oppressive red states. One of the things they will try to do early in the session is lower the threshhold needed to end debate and filibuster so that they can more easily overcome efforts like Machaela's, which is something to keep an eye on.
I'm a cis/het she/her ally in a safe state, MA. My trans young adult kiddo also lives in a safe state, IL, thankfully. I am sickened by the threatening/damaging/hateful legislation being passed in red states and want to help somehow. Any suggestions?
We are probably neighbors! In case ER can't respond, Gender Liberation Movement is a great way to stay in touch on a national level--they are they org that just organized the huge, successful rally in front of SCOTUS last week (it was awesome to be surrounded by Community!)--you can sign up for their newsletter and shares at https://genderlib.org/home
Also if you aren't a member of Real Mama Bears, join us! And look for sub-groups to join https://www.realmamabears.org/ There are 40,000+ of us. : )
I just signed up for both groups. Thank you for the information. I have an adult enby child who lives in Washington state, but I am very concerned about anti-trans legislation and court decisions that could affect the entire country.
Amazing work. I was working up a bills informational list on going legislation bills, but this pretty well covers it. Time to move onto the next topic. :)
Living in the state Oregon safely I feel helpless to assist others threatened 24/7. So frustrating and sad. I have written Governors and explained why I won't be spending my vacation dollars in their states. So much for meeting my older sister I have never met who is a felon follower residing in Florida. What I have observed in Oregon is that new businesses, pubs and public restrooms are changing to "all gender" bathrooms. I believe that while Erin provides such valuable information the true gift is having a safe place to go to chat and not feel alone.
In light of the new EO, which has resulted in some hospitals/universities stopping care with surprising little resistance, regardless of what legislative protections might exist for affirming care, would it be worth (or even possible) in the future to create a state-by-state map that assesses the stability of affirming care provision independent of state legislative protections?
Where are the hospitals/universities that are less susceptible to withdrawal of federal funding? Where are the hospitals/universities and AGs that have demonstrated backbone in pushing back against funding threats?
Usually Erin updates the US LGBTQIA+ Safety Maps monthly or every other month but because of the climate of the USA with Executive Orders (EOs) and other Breaking News related to the LGBTQIA+ and other minorities being attacked by Trump and his New administration, the Map hasn't been updated since December 2024.
I'm sure most of the information is current, but all US States for All Age Groups on Youths/Children, Adults and Elders who are LGBTQIA+ is gonna be on High Risk even in Safer States due to the climate of what is happening to the US and as of right now, still can't be eligible for asylum which isn't the best way to immigrant to another country & need a lot of evidence to say you're prosecuted and most international countries would say move to a blue state and vice versa.
Doesn't help that US is removing itself from a lot of international collaboration with other countries, we are pushing tarrifs on Mexico and Canada and pushing ourselves to be isolated for the next 4 years, so not many countries would be willing to help until it's either too late due to how self sabotaging US by Trump and the Republicans is doing for the next 4 years and beyond (which elections have consequences for those who choose not to vote or voted for Trump)
Now talking about the best US States to be in, Washington State, California (the governor sucks as a recent Newsletter by Erin shows) Oregon, NY, New Jersey, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Colorado, Hawaii, Connecticut and Maryland are some of the good states on top of my head right now while Florida and Texas are gonna be DO NOT TRAVEL US States unless you have to be there either cuz you are stuck (like me and others), because of family, educational benefits such as Bright Futures by being a resident or emergencies such as funerals, surgery or weddings but be careful in those two states cuz they do not care anyone at all when it comes to anyone who is minorities and goes double for LGBTQIA+ and triple for BIPOC LGBTQIA+
The only options most people can have realistically is move/stay in a blue state, if you qualify via Marriage, Ancestry, Work Visa (sponsored by an employer which can lead to PR with enough time but need work experience to qualify for any work visa internationally, independent if you got a priority occupation or state dependent of a country depending on occupation), being a International Student by Loans such as FAFSA (have to do massive research before applying) or Working Holiday Visa (not a PR visa but under 33 you can work in rural areas to qualify up to 3 years of being international but that's a long process with easy approval without a path to PR unless taking advantage of other routes I mentioned above)
But point is, not everyone have the resources to run, either due to limited income, disabilities, don't have marketable skills to leave the US, don't have marriage or ancestry to explore other country (that option is kinda rare since most people don't track that much on their background cuz it's tedious + expensive process) can't move because of family/kids/pets (you will pay extra money for every dependent and or pet that comes with you with its own strict guidelines of age + specifics for any visa options I mentioned when leaving the US) and the fact for a lot of people, international countries wasn't in many people's mindset before the US got crappy faster than usual without any warnings or safety from both the constitution, laws or most politicians abandoning/being silent
Best advice to anyone is that, if you gonna relocate domestically or internationally be extra careful in knowing all the availabile information provided on a US State or another country since you don't want to be back to your bad state/city or be in a situation where you have to be around abusive environments, homeless or other rough situations if you can't help prevent it (which is hard cuz life happens)
Australia is my target international country but I have to wait a while to get work experience or find a masters program on the limited unis available for me to use federal loans from FAFSA that can lead to a PR occupation.
As much as I love Australia to step in, luckily so far, Trump and his people probably can't even locate where Australia or New Zealand is on the map and only focusing on Mexico, Canada, China, Russia and a few other countries (which besides Canada and Mexico, it sucks that this fool is rambling on BS and effecting our partnership/allies in the process) so it's better for Australia not to do much beyond hopefully in the future make visa programs (unlikely considering some Australians are fighting against international folks due to housing market issues) and maybe scholarships for US Citizens that wants to attend their unis during the next four years.
As US Citizens, and from my own experiences going abroad for a semester (6 months), I got instant approval for my Student Visa in July 2023 and I'm sure that it be similar for people who does Working Holiday, and with how the rules change for 482: Skills in Demand (employer sponsorship that can lead to 186 TRT, not to be confused with 186 DE), visa processing would be fast for US citizens, provided their give accurate and detailed information to do so and finally, anyone qualify for PR visas of 189, 190, 186DE (employer sponsorship) would still be subjected to a invited in a 12-24 months estimation (based on points, priority occupation and which state in Australia) but overall, there is chances for US citizens but it's a pain in the butt to maneuver, expensive and regardless of which choices, it's not a easy pathway to leave the US and eventually get a PR in Australia even tho it's my desire and for some people, one of the few English speaking Countries with realistic pipelines to be a dual citizen with time
Thank you for all you do Erin, this is amazing work you have done as usual in updating the US LGBTQIA+ Safety Map for all of us to be informed on.
One thing I want to highlight is that FL is getting worse especially for prisoners which I am linking an article on the discrimination and transphobia that LGBTQIA+ prisoners in FL are experiencing bc of all the hatred and bills being passed
https://www.themarshallproject.org/2024/12/10/new-florida-prison-policy-on-trans-health-care-like-conversion-therapy
It's really scary being in a red state now and unable to leave unfortunately
These maps are always well-researched and helpful, but as the first map put out since the November election, there is a key element missing here - perhaps because the answer isn’t clearly known. That is, of the blue states, which ones will be the most effective (and motivated) at resisting federal anti-trans legislation? Because moves at the federal level are now the real risk - right-wing extremists are being nominated to Cabinet positions, and they will lose no time in implementing the harshest nation-wide policies against trans people. They will stop at nothing. So given that state-level protections are the only remaining bulwark of protection, how safe are we supposed to feel in a given blue state? Especially IDs and medical care ? It’s important to keep in mind that even with the state level protections, the power of the federal gov’t is formidable - especially when some of its leaders seem bent on foaming-at-the-mouth hostility. Federal laws normally override state laws - or do they?
By the way, I agree with downgrading Washington DC’s safety level. It is very sad that that needed to be done. And I’m happy that the other Washington (the western state) has upgraded back to the safest states category.
So, pragmatically, I don't expect anything big to happen on a federal level until after June, when SCOTUS rules on the Tenn case, the most we can expect to happen is the 'defining male and female' bill that congress put up that is a complete nothing, non-enforceable bill, and Trump's promises to with executive orders:
1) Cut federal aid to places that 'promote gender ideology'
and
2) Likely cut ACA support for gender affirming care, this is actually not very possible with how Bostock was ruled, but the SCOTUS can obviously change its mind.
IDs are issued by the state. They will not be affected by anything on a federal level. Passports on the other hand are suspect, I don't recommend getting an 'X' on your passport if you are planning to get one.
I tipped Erin 5 bucks just to comment here, she deserves it, but I really wanted to provide some information.
Prepare for the worst anyway, stock up on HRT, get your prescriptions filled, see if you can get your endo to label your HRT as a hormone imbalance treatment rather than a gender dysphoria treatment, but don't bank on that.
This is our concern as well in Minnesota. Gov. Walz hasn't said anything about the plan for our blue refuge state. Either I'm missing something, or he's not planning anything new. And as you said, does it matter with Federal laws that I'm sure the new administration is going to put into place gleefully? edit: to correct sanctuary to refuge... sorry.
I'd love to see Democrats nationally imitate the strategy of Machaela Cavanaugh here in Nebraska. Filibuster and delay EVERYTHING, regardless of if the legislation is related to trans people or not, until Republicans drop their anti-trans legislation in other bills. This has proved effective thus far in Nebraska as the state lags behind other red states in passing anti-trans legislation despite a Republican supermajority. Nebraska has only managed to pass a surgery ban and the proposed sports and bathroom ban from last year failed. The Republicans will try again this year and it bears scrutiny to see if they will try to pass the same legislation as before or try to get away with more to "catch up" with other oppressive red states. One of the things they will try to do early in the session is lower the threshhold needed to end debate and filibuster so that they can more easily overcome efforts like Machaela's, which is something to keep an eye on.
I'm a cis/het she/her ally in a safe state, MA. My trans young adult kiddo also lives in a safe state, IL, thankfully. I am sickened by the threatening/damaging/hateful legislation being passed in red states and want to help somehow. Any suggestions?
We are probably neighbors! In case ER can't respond, Gender Liberation Movement is a great way to stay in touch on a national level--they are they org that just organized the huge, successful rally in front of SCOTUS last week (it was awesome to be surrounded by Community!)--you can sign up for their newsletter and shares at https://genderlib.org/home
Also if you aren't a member of Real Mama Bears, join us! And look for sub-groups to join https://www.realmamabears.org/ There are 40,000+ of us. : )
I just signed up for both groups. Thank you for the information. I have an adult enby child who lives in Washington state, but I am very concerned about anti-trans legislation and court decisions that could affect the entire country.
Same here.
Thank you so much for this info, I will follow up on your suggestions.
These laws they are passing don’t have any effect on them, so why are they choosing to oppress a small minority?
That is just evil !!
Thank you for doing this work, Erin! ❤️
Amazing work. I was working up a bills informational list on going legislation bills, but this pretty well covers it. Time to move onto the next topic. :)
Living in the state Oregon safely I feel helpless to assist others threatened 24/7. So frustrating and sad. I have written Governors and explained why I won't be spending my vacation dollars in their states. So much for meeting my older sister I have never met who is a felon follower residing in Florida. What I have observed in Oregon is that new businesses, pubs and public restrooms are changing to "all gender" bathrooms. I believe that while Erin provides such valuable information the true gift is having a safe place to go to chat and not feel alone.
Erin, thanks so much for continuing to publish these maps. Words can't describe how helpful this is!
Thank you once again, Erin!
Thank God for Illinois!
In light of the new EO, which has resulted in some hospitals/universities stopping care with surprising little resistance, regardless of what legislative protections might exist for affirming care, would it be worth (or even possible) in the future to create a state-by-state map that assesses the stability of affirming care provision independent of state legislative protections?
Where are the hospitals/universities that are less susceptible to withdrawal of federal funding? Where are the hospitals/universities and AGs that have demonstrated backbone in pushing back against funding threats?
Is this still accurate? My trans daughter is putting a plan together in the event she needs to flee quickly. We live in Denver, Colorado.
Usually Erin updates the US LGBTQIA+ Safety Maps monthly or every other month but because of the climate of the USA with Executive Orders (EOs) and other Breaking News related to the LGBTQIA+ and other minorities being attacked by Trump and his New administration, the Map hasn't been updated since December 2024.
I'm sure most of the information is current, but all US States for All Age Groups on Youths/Children, Adults and Elders who are LGBTQIA+ is gonna be on High Risk even in Safer States due to the climate of what is happening to the US and as of right now, still can't be eligible for asylum which isn't the best way to immigrant to another country & need a lot of evidence to say you're prosecuted and most international countries would say move to a blue state and vice versa.
Doesn't help that US is removing itself from a lot of international collaboration with other countries, we are pushing tarrifs on Mexico and Canada and pushing ourselves to be isolated for the next 4 years, so not many countries would be willing to help until it's either too late due to how self sabotaging US by Trump and the Republicans is doing for the next 4 years and beyond (which elections have consequences for those who choose not to vote or voted for Trump)
Now talking about the best US States to be in, Washington State, California (the governor sucks as a recent Newsletter by Erin shows) Oregon, NY, New Jersey, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Colorado, Hawaii, Connecticut and Maryland are some of the good states on top of my head right now while Florida and Texas are gonna be DO NOT TRAVEL US States unless you have to be there either cuz you are stuck (like me and others), because of family, educational benefits such as Bright Futures by being a resident or emergencies such as funerals, surgery or weddings but be careful in those two states cuz they do not care anyone at all when it comes to anyone who is minorities and goes double for LGBTQIA+ and triple for BIPOC LGBTQIA+
The only options most people can have realistically is move/stay in a blue state, if you qualify via Marriage, Ancestry, Work Visa (sponsored by an employer which can lead to PR with enough time but need work experience to qualify for any work visa internationally, independent if you got a priority occupation or state dependent of a country depending on occupation), being a International Student by Loans such as FAFSA (have to do massive research before applying) or Working Holiday Visa (not a PR visa but under 33 you can work in rural areas to qualify up to 3 years of being international but that's a long process with easy approval without a path to PR unless taking advantage of other routes I mentioned above)
But point is, not everyone have the resources to run, either due to limited income, disabilities, don't have marketable skills to leave the US, don't have marriage or ancestry to explore other country (that option is kinda rare since most people don't track that much on their background cuz it's tedious + expensive process) can't move because of family/kids/pets (you will pay extra money for every dependent and or pet that comes with you with its own strict guidelines of age + specifics for any visa options I mentioned when leaving the US) and the fact for a lot of people, international countries wasn't in many people's mindset before the US got crappy faster than usual without any warnings or safety from both the constitution, laws or most politicians abandoning/being silent
Best advice to anyone is that, if you gonna relocate domestically or internationally be extra careful in knowing all the availabile information provided on a US State or another country since you don't want to be back to your bad state/city or be in a situation where you have to be around abusive environments, homeless or other rough situations if you can't help prevent it (which is hard cuz life happens)
What can people overseas, like in Australia, do to help?
Not much Kirsty,
Australia is my target international country but I have to wait a while to get work experience or find a masters program on the limited unis available for me to use federal loans from FAFSA that can lead to a PR occupation.
As much as I love Australia to step in, luckily so far, Trump and his people probably can't even locate where Australia or New Zealand is on the map and only focusing on Mexico, Canada, China, Russia and a few other countries (which besides Canada and Mexico, it sucks that this fool is rambling on BS and effecting our partnership/allies in the process) so it's better for Australia not to do much beyond hopefully in the future make visa programs (unlikely considering some Australians are fighting against international folks due to housing market issues) and maybe scholarships for US Citizens that wants to attend their unis during the next four years.
As US Citizens, and from my own experiences going abroad for a semester (6 months), I got instant approval for my Student Visa in July 2023 and I'm sure that it be similar for people who does Working Holiday, and with how the rules change for 482: Skills in Demand (employer sponsorship that can lead to 186 TRT, not to be confused with 186 DE), visa processing would be fast for US citizens, provided their give accurate and detailed information to do so and finally, anyone qualify for PR visas of 189, 190, 186DE (employer sponsorship) would still be subjected to a invited in a 12-24 months estimation (based on points, priority occupation and which state in Australia) but overall, there is chances for US citizens but it's a pain in the butt to maneuver, expensive and regardless of which choices, it's not a easy pathway to leave the US and eventually get a PR in Australia even tho it's my desire and for some people, one of the few English speaking Countries with realistic pipelines to be a dual citizen with time
Will Montana possibly change to more neutral?
Thank you for this report. You’ve managed to pull off through and concise at the same time! 🫶🏳️⚧️