It’s no secret that states across the US are passing anti-transgender laws. Such laws are based on feelings and bigotry rather than scientific research and, as such, leave transgender people incredibly vulnerable. As a result, young trans people are moving across the country in droves.
Kai Shappley’s Story
In 2022, Kai Shappley – a trans pre-teen – left Texas with her family after her testimony against a bill that could’ve imprisoned parents for providing gender-affirming care to their children went viral. The bill didn’t pass – but Republican governor Greg Abbott ordered state agencies to conduct child abuse investigations. Kai and her family moved to Connecticut.
Trans Rights Are Under Attack
Politicians are aggressively attacking transgender rights by attempting to ban access to hormones and gender-affirming care, by forcing trans people to use the bathroom designated to their assigned gender at birth (AGAB), and by investigating parents who dare listen to scientists and support their trans kids. According to the Trans Legislation Tracker, over 500 anti-trans bills have been introduced this year.
Trans Kids and Their Families Are Moving Across the Country
Laws vary greatly from state to state. As such, trans kids and their families are moving across the country in droves, hoping to find a place in which they’ll have protections. In comparison to Texas, Connecticut is a safe state for transgender people – but it’s not without problems. Kai, after moving to the state, faced transphobic bullying – so much so that she’s now being homeschooled.
Kai’s Mom Was Shocked
Kimberly was shocked that Kai still faced transphobia in Connecticut. She said: “It was shocking to us how, even in a liberal state, there are only certain safe bubbles for trans people. You’re not safe in the whole state just because they vote blue. You move to a safe state, where you have protections, but [people] still hate you.”
The Family Has Hope
Regardless of Kai’s struggles, the family has hope that living in Connecticut could get better for them. “Not much – but there’s some,” Kai said. More than anything though, the family wishes that, one day, Texas will turn blue or the federal government will pass protections for transgender people. Then, and only then, will they be able to return home.
They’re Prepared to Move Abroad if They Have To
Kai and her family are prepared to leave the US if they have to. Kimberly said: “I started checking into things in New Zealand. That looks really promising. I don’t know. I’m waiting for a safe country to say, ‘We are a safe country and we welcome American refugees.’”
Redditors Discuss the Matter Regularly
Transgender Redditors discuss the option of moving across the country, or abroad, regularly. One person wrote: “One thing to note is that it’s not necessarily red states vs blue states – but the cities. Austin, despite being in Texas, is very accepting – whereas a small town, even if in a blue state, might not be. However, that’s just about how accepting the people you interact with will be, not necessarily the institutional protection of your rights.”
Others Discussed Access to Healthcare
Replying to a trans adult asking if it’s worth moving to a blue state, one person wrote: “One of the biggest benefits of living in a blue state is that I don’t have to expend much, or any, mental energy on fighting for access to trans healthcare. My access to it is ensured under law and my insurance hasn’t put up any pressure against my access to it.”
Blue States Don’t Make Life Perfect for Transgender People
Replying to the same person, one individual wrote: “I won’t lie to you. Your daily experiences aren’t going to be magically perfect. I grew up in California and I still have to deal with conservative [people] treating me [terribly]. But it’s more so a once a week, [or] once every two weeks, kind of thing – instead of daily. I think it’d be easier to find like-minded people in a blue state and have places you feel safe going to where everyone is accepting. But it’s not going to be a magic button that fixes it all.”
Parents Often Ask Reddit for Advice
Because of its vast range of users, Reddit is a great place to go to get any question answered. As such, parents of trans kids often take to the social media platform to get advice about where to move. One such parent wrote: “I am looking for some help in finding some of the best countries to move to in order to support my transgender kiddo. I would like to find a place that has great medical coverage. I am concerned about the safety of my child. If the USA continues on this path of total hate and Christianity, my kid will not be safe here. I appreciate any help or advice. Thank you.”
Redditors Rushed to Help the Concerned Parent
Redditors were more than happy to share advice. “It’ll probably be easier to move to a heavily blue state than another country. California or most of the north-east states should be good,” one person replied. “Canada, in general, is a good option coming from the US. Except maybe Alberta,” another advised. “Malta and Portugal are pretty good for us and I think New Zealand and Australia too. But don’t go to [the] UK, whatever you do. I think Ireland has protections for trans people now,” a third individual said.
Most People Advised the Parent to Stay in the US
Most Redditors advised the worried parent to stay in the US, claiming it would be much easier than moving to another country. One person wrote: “Other people have mentioned it but, if you want to stay in the US, the following states are your best bet – California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii. These are the states that have the most robust legal protections for trans people at the moment.”
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