If, after reading my last entry, you remain unconvinced that we are already in dangerous territory, here’s Erin Reed’s Post-Election 2024 Anti-Trans Risk Assessment Map that shows the states where it is safe—or extremely dangerous—to be LGBTQ+.

Twenty-six states have anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Florida and Texas, unsurprisingly, are the two worst, earning a “Do Not Travel” rating.

Whether you are yourself trans, have trans friends or family, or are simply a decent human being, it’s impossible to ignore the existential threat the new administration poses. Not just because of the awful laws they will certainly look to enact in the future, or because of the protective laws they simply won’t enforce. It’s because of the permission it will give—and already has given via its 2016 incarnation—to states, municipalities, and individuals to do their worst. All politics is local, and the incoming administration doesn’t need to enact a single damn law to make life for the LGBTQ+ community even more dangerous than it already is^[1].

Sixteen states, incuding California, Hawaii, and Minnesota, recognize the threat and have enacted strong protections, including shield laws that ensure access to transgender healthcare. Many LGBTQ+ people are moving into those states to cloak themselves in a mantel of security. I’m grateful these states are willing to take a stand. I hope it’s sufficient.