Colorado Group Aids Transgender Individuals in Escaping Hostile States and Unsafe Conditions

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As transgender Texans face increasing threats to their civil rights due to antagonistic state legislation and policies, a Denver-based nonprofit, Trans Continental Pipeline (TCP), is stepping in to help those looking to relocate to safer states. The organization, led by executive director Keira Richards, focuses on assisting transgender individuals in escaping environments where their safety is at risk.

The situation in Texas has become increasingly dire for transgender residents. A recent directive from the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Driver’s License Office instructed employees to disregard court orders for sex marker changes, a practice currently legal under Texas law. This directive also raised fears of potential surveillance, as it required employees to report individuals who present such orders, leading to concerns that a list of transgender people could be created by state law enforcement.

With only about 0.43% of adult Texans and 1.42% of Texans aged 13-17 identifying as transgender, this group remains a small but vulnerable minority. The hostile legislative environment, coupled with cultural discrimination, has left many transgender Texans feeling increasingly unsafe in their home state.

Conversations within Texas's transgender community have turned to "escape plans," as individuals weigh the risks to their civil rights against the significant costs of relocating. For many, moving to another state can be financially prohibitive, and it often involves leaving behind crucial support networks and medical care. Recognizing these challenges, TCP aims to alleviate some of the burdens associated with such a life-altering move.

“We help queer people get out of the states that don’t really like us and come to Colorado,” Richards explained. “We’ve been told by national analysts that Colorado is the safest state for queer people. So we’re trying to help people get here.”

Since becoming a nonprofit in April, TCP has received nearly 70 applications from individuals across 23 states, all seeking assistance in relocating. These applications, which are free, have led to the successful relocation of 10 to 15 individuals or families so far. Richards and her team of around 80 volunteers work tirelessly to manage the logistics of each relocation, including securing temporary housing, arranging transportation, and connecting individuals with employment opportunities and medical care providers.

One of the key challenges TCP has faced is finding temporary housing for those relocating to Denver. However, the group is now setting up a dedicated temporary home, which will allow transgender refugees to stay for a month while they get established in the city. This development is expected to expedite the relocation process, reducing the time spent waiting for suitable housing.

Richards emphasized that while TCP provides significant support, there is still a level of autonomy required from those relocating. “We can only do so much, so they certainly need to take control of their move,” she said.

For many, the decision to relocate is driven by a combination of legislative and cultural safety concerns. “If the living situation that they’re in gets bad, if their roommates, family, or whoever they’re living with are being transphobic and drinking the Kool-Aid of the current establishment, that is definitely an impetus in leaving,” Richards noted. “But it’s really when both legislative and cultural safety take a turn for the worse that people feel the need to leave.”

Despite the risks and uncertainties involved in uprooting one’s life, those who have benefited from TCP’s assistance express gratitude for the organization’s support. “Everyone I’ve talked to said that they wouldn’t have been able to do this move without our assistance, which really shows what an impact our program is having,” Richards said.

TCP primarily relies on donations to fund its operations, recently receiving a $15,000 grant from the LGBT+ Housing Initiative. However, ongoing support is crucial to continue their mission. “We’re a 501(c)(3), so we’re constantly begging for donations, which are going right back to our community to help them in these moves, find housing, or house them temporarily,” Richards said. “So any support from all over the country is always super important to us.”

As transgender individuals across the country continue to face increasing challenges, organizations like TCP provide a vital lifeline, offering hope and a path to safety for those in need.