Brandon and Candace, parents from Denver, are preparing to invest tens of thousands of dollars for a life-changing move to New Zealand this July.
Their decision is rooted in the desire to safeguard their 9-year-old transgender daughter, Chase, from the alarming political climate in the United States, particularly the policies of the Trump administration.
Candace expressed her frustration, stating, “You’re taught to believe…this is the land of the free…for my child’s rights to be stripped away…is gross.”
Feeling a lack of control over their family’s future, they joined a growing number of American families who are relocating due to fears about anti-trans policies and violence.
Chase, who has yet to receive any transition-related care beyond therapy, is aware of the hostile rhetoric against transgender individuals.
Despite her excitement about the new adventure, she feels sadness about leaving her friends behind.
The family has already invested significant resources in their relocation, which includes job applications and visa processes.
Brandon has secured a position as a sales manager at a winery in Queenstown, New Zealand, and their visas will provide a path to permanent residency in the future.
Their overall estimated moving costs range between $65,000 to $80,000, primarily funded through savings and a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $6,500 so far.
In a separate but related situation, the Jackson family from Missouri relocated to Europe before the impending 2024 election.
Debi Jackson’s child, Avery, who uses they/them pronouns, became a prominent activist after being featured on the cover of National Geographic.
Finding it increasingly unsettling in the U.S., especially following the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade and Missouri’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, the family felt compelled to leave.
Debi realized that the treacherous environment for trans individuals was only getting worse, stating, “They were just saying they wanted out completely.”
So, in September 2023, the Jacksons moved to a European country, raising $15,000 in just two months for their urgent relocation.
Meanwhile, as many Americans grapple with the idea of moving abroad, there’s confusion and misinformation about the asylum process in Europe.
Trans individuals typically do not qualify for asylum based on their gender identity, as most European nations don’t recognize U.S. citizens as eligible for such protections.
In Ohio, a couple named Marina and Faye, both trans, are planning their move to Australia in response to the U.S.’s political landscape.
Faye, on a student visa, highlighted concerns over the Trump administration’s policy actions, prompting them to relocate while still eligible for work holiday visas.
The couple is facing emotional challenges as they prepare for the transition, including the heart-wrenching task of temporarily leaving their pet behind.
As they make these changes, they look forward to the feeling of starting anew.
Duncan, a lawyer advocating for trans rights, shared her sentiments about the uncertain future in the U.S. and the considerations for relocating to other countries.
With so many families grappling with these difficult decisions, the overall atmosphere remains tense and charged.
Collectively, these narratives illustrate the urgency and emotional weight many families face as they seek safety for their trans children, emphasizing the need for supportive, understanding environments as they begin again elsewhere.
image source from：https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/families-say-leaving-us-anti-transgender-climate-rcna206560
