The launch of TransEscape.us
TransEscape
Normally, this would be a happy occasion: “We launched a new website to help people use our policy research!”
But the situation is not so simple. This resource exists because our trans and non-conforming community is under an absolute onslaught of attacks in the USA. I won’t list all of the attacks here (check our news feed page for the latest), but this country is no longer safe, period.
The danger is greater than any single rage-driven presidential term. The Supreme Court is packed with regressive judges, and over half of our states are rated as “very dangerous” for trans people. The situation is becoming more dangerous and doesn’t look likely to improve for many years.
For many, leaving their home is the only option. But where to? There are hundreds of things to consider, but we all need a starting place. That’s what this site is meant to help with. We’ve compared dozens of data sources for each state and country, assigning scores for healthcare access, affordability, visa pathways, safety, and more, each with links to more information, others’ experiences moving there, and news updates. Note that we don’t offer resource links for most countries or states listed as dangerous (or worse), since this site is all about helping you get to a better place.
For many, the best option is to leave the US, but for some, finding a less dangerous state is the only option. This is why we also rate, monitor, and report on states, using separate scoring systems. Make no mistake, any state is still at risk from the federal government’s meddling in healthcare services offered or covered, your passport (and ability to travel out of the country), plus a range of judicial, legal, and funding issues. This is why the highest-ranked states are listed as “best option”, not “safe”, which doesn’t exist within the United States at the moment.
Everyone has their own unique criteria. Youth protections, languages, sensitivity to affordability… the list goes on. That’s why you can make your own scorecard based on what matters in your situation. Want to leave the US, don’t want to learn a new language, but affordability is critical? Can’t leave the US, value healthcare access above all else, and can handle high prices? Those scenarios and more are possible to consider.
And that’s the point of this site: you can start to figure out where to run to, not just to run. We created it to help you feel less trapped by knowing your options. It started as a personal research project, then grew into a PDF guide passed around forums, and now it’s a public resource, updated almost daily, designed to give you agency over your life.
So in a way, this site launch is a happy occasion! It is an act of rebellion against places and policies designed to denigrate our community. Our mantra is: if the US or a state isn’t going to respect us, then it doesn’t deserve us!
I’m sorry you’re in a position where you need to read this website. But I congratulate you on taking the next step toward the safe, supported life you deserve!
– A.
P.S. We’re not done yet! Future updates will include great tools for youth, a printable/downloadable guide to your top destination choices, a greatly expanded “Next Steps” page, and more resources to help you explore your options… because you do have options!