At this point nothing is more important than getting trans people either out of the country or from red states to blue. Many blue states are not affordable (California). There are trans sanctuary states (Maryland, New Jersey, New York, cities in California and Colorado, Illinois) and then trans states that promise to protect from interstate investigations (DC, New Mexico, Connecticut, Minnesota).
Not many people can easily up and move. If that is something you can do for your child or self
If you are poor the 3 states I’ve been recommending are New Mexico, Illinois, Minnesota. Of those depending which is closer I’d mainly go with New Mexico or Minnesota. As of now HUD/Section 8 still exists as does medicaid (and trans healthcare) in these two states. There are currently very few trans moving funds functioning.
How poor trans people can move (over 18, don’t worry we got you teens below)
Pick the state you feel you are closest too or would be most comfortable in. This is Minnesota’s hud page and this is New Mexico’s. HUD is applicable to people who make less than can comfortably live in the area. So Los Angeles limit would be higher than Minnesota’s. Try to apply and if you make too much then that option isnt for you, but many people would qualify who think they don’t. Special considerations are given for refugees, indigenous people, and foster children. If you are ssi disabled you will also likely qualify.
You can also search by town or county in many places. (This applies to all states).
You will likely need 20 pages of paper work, your id, ssn, and a handful of appts before you get hud/section 8. Some places you are given a coupon (many landlords refuse but you can google accepting ones), others you apply for a specific area or unit. HUD rentals have a year long lease.
Faxzero.com will be very helpful through this process.
Can I do this if I dont live in the area?
Yes. Faxzero and phone interviews cover the gap.
Why Can’t I do a cool place like Los Angeles?
You can, but last I knew Los Angeles had an 11 year wait list. I applied in 2017…so 2028. Smaller and less in demand areas have way less wait periods. Sometimes you can move in a few months. More rural areas in MN and NM will move faster than the cities but I think Minneapolis is 3-6 months right now. THIS CAN CHANGE WITH DEMAND SO APPLY NOW!
What of pets/children?
It varies but yes there is hud for pet owners. Kids always count. But every person you intend to have live there you must include on your application.
How much will it cost?
30% of your income.
What if Der Fuehrer kills HUD again?
These blue states are trying to set up protections against this. You cant be evicted in most states because hud funding is pulled.
How do I afford to move?
They don’t help with those costs generally. Personally if you feel you can take a few bags and your pet/kids I’d go. That’s sadly up to you. Again there are funds but wait list is long and many like translifeline have run out of funding.
What of food/work?
These states have food stamps and you’ll likely be approved if approved for hud. They also have job search help.
Okay you promised for under 18s
I want to say this is strictly an opinion and only something to invoke in an emergency. Places like Los Angeles have trans shelters (often full) and social services to help trans teens 16-24. Again, only if this is you will die otherwise. There is also a shelter in New Mexico. And Minnesota.
Canada?
Still doing everything in its power to reject Americans. You only get one try wouldn’t try now.
So what are the downsides of NM and MN?
Both are more rural than not. And thus have the same doctor shortage as many rural areas. Both have only one main city (Albuquerque and Minneapolis) where much of the support is. Both still have violence against trans people (Minneapolis had two trans ppl beat while onlookers cheered in Nov 2024). Both still have bigots and all the failures of everywhere. But overall they are safer than blood red places and you can change your name and access your healthcare. However again, if trump makes trans people a terrorist group this might not matter at all and if you’re southern I’d highly advise mexico.
New Mexico
Wait list for Trans Healthcare in NM
Transgender Resources Center NM
Minnesota