Latest news with #OutLeadership
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
It's Pride Month. Is Ohio a safe state for gay and transgender people? What new research says
Pride Month, celebrated annually in June, honors the culture and rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans across the nation through parades, educational events, and more. A new ranking recently released by global LGBTQ+ business platform Out Leadership reveals the most and least welcoming states for members of the LGBT community. In addition to a national overall decline, the researchers say that Ohio saw steep drops in the rankings because of laws targeting LGBTQ+ youth. Here's how Ohio ranks among LGBT-friendly states. State rankings show Ohio landing at No. 39 out of the 50 states, barely escaping the bottom 10 in the 2025 State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index from Out Leadership. Ohio scored 42.35 out of a possible 100 points. Florida came in at No. 40 with a 42.20 score. Indiana was No. 38 overall (42.67), and Kentucky scored 43.25 points to rank No. 37. The Buckeye State experienced the steepest decline out of all its neighboring Midwestern states, coming in second-last when ranked by region. The analysis also pointed to increased polarization surrounding gay and trans rights as well as a surge in bills that challenge LGBT rights like the 'Don't Say Gay' laws expanded in states like Florida, Ohio, and Texas. This is the second year that Ohio was considered one of the most unsafe states to live in as an LGBTQ+ American. The Out Leadership study scored states in five categories. Each category was worth up to 20 points toward the final score for each state. Here's how Ohio scored: Legal and nondiscrimination protection (13.75) Youth and family support (7.4) Political and religious attitudes (9.2) Health access and safety (6.0) Work environment and employment (6.0) Over the years, Ohio legislators have introduced a wave of bills surrounding the LGBT community. Ohio lawmakers have legislated several state-level bills around LGBTQ issues. Gov. Mike DeWine signed a transgender bathroom ban into law in November 2024. Similarly, DeWine signed House Bill 8, known as the "Parents' Bill of Rights," which would require teachers to notify parents about health and gender identity. The proposed House Bill 190 would require parental permission for name and pronoun changes for students. Senate Bill 132 and House Bill 61, the "Save Women's Sports Act" that pushed to ban transgender girls from playing on female sports teams in Ohio, advanced to the DeWine's desk. So did Senate Bill 50, which would ban conversion therapy for minors. In April 2025, the Ohio Supreme Court reinstated a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors under House Bill 68. "We look forward to showing once again that the Legislature acted properly in enacting this constitutional law, which protects our children from irreversible medical decisions," Attorney General Dave Yost spokesperson Bethany McCorkle said. Challenging the bill, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) attorney Harper Seldin stated, "The state's ban is discriminatory, baseless and a danger to the well-being of the same Ohio youth lawmakers claim to want to protect. It's also part of a sweeping effort to drive trans people out of public life altogether by controlling our health care, our families and our lives," the Dispatch reported. Ohio is one of 32 states with unenforceable same-sex marriage bans in laws or constitutions, despite growing support among the public. Certain bills have been introduced that support LGBT rights, such as the Ohio Fairness Act, which would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. However, these bills have not been signed into law since being introduced years ago. These 10 states scored the worst in the Out Leadership rankings. Arkansas (29.50) South Carolina (32.15) Louisiana (33.00) South Dakota (34.80) Tennessee (35.00) Mississippi (37.27) Oklahoma (37.62) Alabama (39.40) Montana (40.62) Idaho (42.07) Massachusetts (93.67) New York (93.67) Connecticut (92.27) New Jersey (90.00) Vermont (89.50) This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Is Ohio safe for gay and transgender people? What new study says
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Tennessee at the bottom in ranks on LGBTQ+ friendliness. Why it could hurt the state's economy
An annual LGBTQ+ friendliness ranking determined that Tennessee is one of the least friendly states in the country. For the last seven years, Out Leadership's State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index has measured the impact of state government policies and prevalent attitudes on the LGBTQ+ community, weighing factors such as support for young people and families, access to health care and safety, political and religious attitudes, work environment and employment and nondiscrimination protections. The analysis identifies the optimal locations for businesses to establish a presence based on consumer behavior. The average score for the United States has declined for the third consecutive year to 62.62. In the 2025 report, the U.S. scored 62.62 out of 100, representing a slight decrease from 2024's score of 62.77. According to the study, there were over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in 48 states in 2024. Tennessee was ranked as one of the worst states for LGBTQ+ members which could put strains on the economy in the future. "When more than 22% of Gen Z identifies as LGBTQ+ and 70% of LGBTQ+ employees believe being out in the workplace has had a positive impact on their career, companies that ignore this reality risk losing a talented future workforce and profits," the analysis wrote. The analysis determined it costs companies an average of $8,710 to replace an employee in Tennessee, with senior executives costing upwards of $325,000. According to Out Leadership's index, no. Tennessee scored a 35 out of a possible score of 100 on the index, making the state a high risk for the LGBTQ+ community. It is up one point from 2024's score, but only ten points higher than the minimum of 25. While 6.3% of Tennessee residents identify as LGBTQ+, Tennessee is one of the frontrunners in anti-LGBTQ+ attitudes in the nation. At less than 10% of residents, LGBTQ+ members have a personal income of roughly $14.4 billion. Each state is assigned a score of 20 in individual categories. For these categories, the highest score Tennessee earned was a 10.4. Legal and nondiscrimination protection: 2 Youth and family support: 10.4 Political and religious attitudes: 7.6 Health access and safety: 6 Work environment and employment: 9 Tennessee is considered a high-risk state for business factors such as branding, clients, talent, and marketing. It is a notable risk to the future of businesses. Companies are at high risk for branding, clients, talent and marketing due to Tennessee's legislation against LGBTQ+ people, and the state's governor and senators have negative voting records on LGBTQ+ issues. People may be less likely to interact with companies based in and associated with states that are strongly against LGBTQ+ people. As young consumers and workers continue to enter the business market, companies may relocate to other states to take advantage of better opportunities to employ skilled workers. It is unlikely for LGBTQ+ members and allies to seek Tennessee out as a place to live and work based on the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the state. In the past five years, there have been countless measures introduced and signed in Tennessee that oppose LGBTQ+ individuals. In 2020, Governor Bill Lee signed a bill into law that allows adoption and foster agencies within the state to refuse to place children in homes that 'violate the agency's written religious or moral convictions or policies.' The "Don't Say Gay Bill" is a revised iteration of an earlier Tennessee bill designed to restrict LGBTQ+ content in textbooks and educational materials used in public schools. In 2023, legislation was enacted to impose a statewide prohibition on drag shows, alongside a bill that limits 'adult cabaret performances' in public spaces or when children are present, as well as banning such performances within 1,000 feet of schools, public parks, or places of worship. SB1861 was enacted in April 2022 and mandates that the Commissioner of Education must withhold a portion of education funding from Local Education Agencies if they do not determine a student's gender for school sports participation. A bill was signed and enacted by Gov. Lee, which prohibits transgender youth from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity. TN HB2316 was signed into law in May 2022 and 'prohibits biological males from participating in intercollegiate and intramural sports that are designed for females.' TN SB2777 was introduced in February 2022, which would allow public school teachers to refuse to use a student's preferred pronoun if the pronoun is not consistent with the student's biological sex. TN SB0657 was introduced in February 2022, which would criminalize the provision of gender affirming health care to minors unless the parent or guardian has written a recommendation from a minimum of three physicians. As of 2021, transgender minors in Tennessee are prohibited from using school bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity. Tennessee is the last state that explicitly prohibits an individual from changing the sex listed on their birth certificate following gender reassignment surgery. In 2024, SB1738 was signed into law, which could place LGBTQ+ youth into unsupportive homes. The law prohibits the Department of Children's Services from requiring adoptive or foster parents to affirm or accept a child's sexual orientation or gender identity if doing so conflicts with the parents' religious beliefs. In 2022, Gov. Lee signed into law legislation that requires the commissioner of education to withhold a portion of the education finance funds from Local Education Agencies if the LEA refuses or fails to determine a student's gender for purposes of participation in school sports. Arkansas was the lowest-ranked state for the third year in a row with 29.50 points. This is the lowest score recorded since Out Leadership started its index. Last year, Arkansas scored a 27. Arkansas scored a 29.50/100 South Carolina scored a 32.15/100 Louisiana scored a 33/100 South Dakota scored a 34.80/100 Tennessee scored a 35/100 New York and Massachusetts tied as the friendliest states for LGBTQ+ members with a score of 93.67. This is New York's fourth year in the top spot. In 2024, Massachusetts was at number 3. Massachusetts scored a 93.67/100 New York scored a 93.67/100 Connecticut scored a 92.27/100 New Jersey scored a 90/100 Vermont scored an 89.50/100 The Southern United States was the least inviting area in the country towards LGBTQ+ members. Every other region of the country had a friendliness rating of over 50% in 2025. Northeast regional ranking average: 84.74 West regional ranking average: 67.61 Midwest regional ranking average: 58.26 Southwest regional ranking average: 57.58 Southeast regional ranking average: 43.81 This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Is Tennessee LGBTQ+ friendly? Study finds state ranks at bottom in US
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Pride Month 2025: Under Trump 2.0, least safe US states for LGBTQ+ people revealed. Check details
As Pride Month kicks off, a new report reveals deepening disparities in safety, rights, and inclusion for LGBTQ+ Americans depending on where they live. From health care access and legal protections to the tone set by state leadership, conditions for LGBTQ+ individuals vary dramatically across the United States. Out Leadership's 2025 State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index, now in its seventh year, evaluates all 50 states on how welcoming they are to LGBTQ+ residents. This year's findings come amid intensifying legislative pressure, with hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced across the country and heated debates over flag bans and transgender rights dominating public discourse. Compiled with input from the Williams Institute and the Movement Advancement Project, the annual index is a resource for corporate leaders and policymakers. It comes at a time when Pride events face a rising tide of political opposition. In 2025, Utah became the first state to explicitly ban LGBTQ+ flags on government property, with Idaho and Montana following with similar restrictions. In total, at least 31 flag-related bills have been introduced in 17 states, targeting LGBTQ+ symbols in public spaces. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo ALSO READ: Jonathan Joss, who died in Texas shooting, lost him home and two dogs in January in tragic incident According to the Movement Advancement Project, over 700 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been proposed so far this year. Organizers report that this legislative onslaught—paired with federal rollbacks of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives under the Trump administration—has prompted major corporations like Mastercard, PepsiCo, and Nissan to scale back or withdraw support from major Pride events, reports NewsWeek. Live Events Despite financial strain and heightened security risks, Pride organizers across political divides are pressing forward. They emphasize the enduring importance of Pride as a space for visibility, identity, and solidarity. The report also cautions business leaders about the potential reputational and operational risks of operating in states where LGBTQ+ people face legal and social hostility. Top-Ranked States for LGBTQ+ Safety in 2025 The 2025 Index reveals a clear geographic pattern: states in the Northeast and on the West Coast lead in LGBTQ+ inclusivity and safety. Top 10 States: Massachusetts – 93.67 New York – 93.67 Connecticut – 92.27 New Jersey – 90.00 Vermont – 89.50 Rhode Island – 89.43 California – 88.57 Washington – 86.53 Maryland – 84.83 Oregon – 83.97 Massachusetts and New York tied for the top spot, each scoring 93.67 out of 100. These states, along with others in the top ten, have adopted robust nondiscrimination laws, bans on conversion therapy, inclusive health care policies, and benefit from strong pro-LGBTQ+ leadership. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey—the first openly lesbian governor in the U.S.—has prioritized equality across her administration. ALSO READ: Under Trump's 'big beautiful bill', 15 million Americans to lose their health care coverage? Check details Lowest-Ranked States for LGBTQ+ Safety in 2025 At the other end of the spectrum, states in the South and Plains regions continue to score lowest on the index. Bottom 10 States: Arkansas – 29.50 South Carolina – 32.15 Louisiana – 33.00 South Dakota – 34.80 Mississippi – 36.60 West Virginia – 37.43 Oklahoma – 37.62 Montana – 38.10 Missouri – 39.03 Alabama – 39.40 Arkansas remains the lowest-ranked state for the third year in a row. Many of the lowest-ranking states have expanded religious exemptions and enacted restrictions on updating gender markers on legal documents. Oklahoma, for example, has seen an uptick in LGBTQ+ residents seeking to move elsewhere due to safety concerns, with organizations like Rainbow Railroad and TRACTION reporting increased calls for help. ALSO READ: Jonathan Joss, 'King of the Hill' actor who voiced John Redcorn, shot dead several times in Texas Out Leadership underscores that state leadership plays a critical role in shaping outcomes. States with inclusive policies often have proactive, supportive governance. Michigan, for example, rose in the rankings after Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation expanding hate crime protections. As Pride 2025 unfolds, the index serves as both a reflection of current conditions and a call to action—for businesses, leaders, and citizens alike—to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals can live openly and safely, no matter where they reside. ALSO READ: US to observe federal holiday on June 19. Are stock markets closed that day? The authors of the index highlight a growing divide between states with high and low rankings, leading to increasing geographic polarization that affects not only legislation but also the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. 'Top-ranked states for LGBTQ+ equality continue to perform well, but the scores of the lowest-ranked states have dropped sharply,' said Brian Sims, Managing Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs at Out Leadership. 'This trend reflects a deepening polarization in both political and cultural attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community across the country.'
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Least Safe US States for LGBTQ+ People Revealed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. As Pride Month begins, a new report highlights widening disparities in how LGBTQ+ Americans experience safety and equality across the country. From access to health care and legal protections to the tone set by state leadership, conditions vary drastically. Out Leadership's 2025 State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index, now in its seventh year, ranks all 50 states on how welcoming they are to LGBTQ+ residents. The findings come at a time of mounting legislative pressure, with hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in statehouses nationwide and public debates over flag bans and trans rights intensifying. The annual index, compiled with input from the Williams Institute and the Movement Advancement Project, serves as a reference for corporate leaders and policymakers. The Context Pride 2025 arrives amid a heightened political and legislative backlash against LGBTQ+ rights. Utah became the first state to explicitly ban LGBTQ+ flags from government buildings and schools, Idaho and Montana following suit with restrictions. People take part in The New Queens Pride Parade in the neighborhood of Jackson Heights in the New York City borough of Queens, NY, June 1, 2025. June is traditionally considered Pride Month. People take part in The New Queens Pride Parade in the neighborhood of Jackson Heights in the New York City borough of Queens, NY, June 1, 2025. June is traditionally considered Pride Month. Sipa via AP Images/Photo by Anthony Behar/Sipa USA The flag bans are part of a wider trend—at least 31 flag-related bills have been introduced across 17 states, many of which explicitly or implicitly prohibit LGBTQ+ symbols on public property. More than 700 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in 2025 alone, according to the Movement Advancement Project. Pride organizers say the wave of legislation—coupled with the Trump administration's federal rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives—has led major corporate sponsors such as Mastercard, PepsiCo, and Nissan to withdraw support from some of the nation's largest Pride events. Despite financial losses and heightened security concerns, organizers in red and blue states insist that Pride celebrations will continue, emphasizing their importance as public expressions of identity and solidarity. The report aims to help business leaders "understand and respond to these risks and opportunities," noting that "multinational companies face operational and reputational risks when they do business in places where the legal and/or social atmosphere makes it difficult for LGBTQ+ people to live openly." Which States are Ranked the Safest for LGBTQ+ Americans? The 2025 State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index underscores a clear geographic trend: states on the West Coast and in the Northeast dominate the top of the rankings, while many Southern and Plains states lag behind. These states were ranked highest in the State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index: Massachusetts—93.67 New York—93.67 Connecticut—92.27 New Jersey—90.00 Vermont—89.50 Rhode Island—89.43 California—88.57 Washington—86.53 Maryland—84.83 Oregon—83.97 According to the index, Massachusetts and New York tied for first place in 2025, each earning a score of 93.67 out of 100. Connecticut (92.27), New Jersey (90.00), and Vermont (89.50) round out the top five safest states for LGBTQ+ residents. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, United States Representative, takes part in The New Queens Pride Parade in the neighborhood of Jackson Heights in the New York City borough of Queens, NY, June 1, 2025. June is traditionally considered... Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, United States Representative, takes part in The New Queens Pride Parade in the neighborhood of Jackson Heights in the New York City borough of Queens, NY, June 1, 2025. June is traditionally considered Pride Month. More Photo by Anthony Behar/Sipa USA/AP Images Many of these states have enacted expansive nondiscrimination protections, bans on conversion therapy, inclusive health care policies, and active support from state leadership. Massachusetts is led by Governor Maura Healey, the country's first openly lesbian governor, whose administration has prioritized LGBTQ+ equality in policy and practice. Maryland and Washington, D.C.-adjacent states, also performed well. Maryland's score rose to 84.83, thanks to robust family support and workplace protections. Which States are Ranked the Least Safe for LGBTQ+ Americans? These states were ranked the lowest in the State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index: Arkansas—29.50 South Carolina—32.15 Louisiana—33.00 South Dakota—34.80 Mississippi—36.60 West Virginia—37.43 Oklahoma—37.62 Montana—38.10 Missouri—39.03 Alabama—39.40 Arkansas ranks as the least safe state for LGBTQ+ people for the third consecutive year, followed by South Carolina, Louisiana and South Dakota at the bottom of the rankings. Alabama's score was slightly higher at 39.40, yet still placed it in the bottom ten. Many of these states also saw drops due to expanded religious exemptions and bans on updating gender markers on official documents including birth certificates and driver's licenses. (USA Today) Oklahoma, which scored just 37.62, has seen a notable increase in residents seeking to relocate, including LGBTQ+ families leaving due to threats or fear of discrimination. Nonprofit organizations such as TRACTION in Washington state and Rainbow Railroad in Canada have seen surging requests for support from LGBTQ+ people in red states. (USA Today) Out Leadership emphasizes that political leadership is a strong predictor of state scores. In contrast to bottom-tier states, those with inclusive policies often benefit from proactive governance. For instance, Michigan's rise in the rankings was linked to legislation signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer expanding hate crime protections. The index's authors note that the gap between high- and low-ranking states is widening, creating geographic polarization not just in law, but also in lived experiences. "While the top ranked states for LGBTQ+ equality broadly are staying strong, the bottom ranked states decreased in score significantly. This continues to signal increasing polarization across the country in political and cultural attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community," said Brian Sims, Managing Director, Public Policy and Government Affairs for Out Leadership.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
These are the safest places in America for gay and transgender people
As Oklahoman legislators push to restrict trans rights and overturn the 2015 Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriage, Zane Eaves says his identity as a transgender man has put a target on his back in his home state. One of 18,900 trans adults in Oklahoma, Eaves has received death threats as has his wife of 10 years and their two children. 'All the hatred and political stuff going on' are driving this Oklahoma lifer from the place he was born and raised, Eaves, 35, said. He has only crossed the state line three times in his life, but in recent weeks, he made the difficult decision to move his family to North Carolina to be closer to friends and allies. 'I am just trying to stay alive and keep my marriage,' Eaves said. Oklahoma ranks 44th in the nation on a list released Monday of the most and least welcoming states for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans. More and more, the question of where LGBTQ+ people feel safe is one of blue vs. red, according to advocacy group Out Leadership. LGBTQ+ equality fell across the board for the third straight year, according to Out Leadership's State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index shared exclusively with USA TODAY. But the sharpest declines came in Republican-led states. While progressive strongholds championed supportive policies and protections, conservative states elected a slate of leaders who openly oppose gay and trans rights and sponsored an unprecedented wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, Out Leadership CEO and founder Todd Sears said. So-called 'Don't Say Gay' bills, religious exemptions and other legislation tanked the rankings of 19 red states in the Out Leadership index, according to Sears. Today, the divide between states that roll out the welcome mat and less hospitable parts of the country is wider than ever, he said. Each year for the last seven, Out Leadership has released the State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index to gauge the overall climate for gay and transgender people state by state, mapping out where they will face the most and the least discrimination and hardship. Out Leadership's index measures the impact of state government policies and prevalent attitudes about the LGBTQ+ community, weighing factors such as support for young people and families, health access and safety, political and religious attitudes, work environment and employment and nondiscrimination protections. The Northeast had six of the 10 highest-ranked states, while the Southeast had six of the lowest-ranked. Massachusetts, led by the nation's first openly lesbian governor, Democrat Maura Healey and New York, which guaranteed gender-affirming care and LGBTQ+ refugee protections, tied for first place in this year's index, with Connecticut and New Jersey close behind. The least LGBTQ+ friendly state was Arkansas, which ranked last for the third straight year. South Carolina, Louisiana, South Dakota and Alabama also received low scores. The states that had the largest gains in the index were Kentucky and Michigan, which Out Leadership attributed to 'pro-equality' leadership from governors Andy Beshear and Gretchen Whitmer, both Democrats. The steepest declines were in Ohio, Florida and Utah, all led by Republican governors. The Out Leadership index was created as a LGBTQ+ inclusion reference guide for business leaders. But gay and trans people soon began using it to figure out where they should – and should not – live and work, never more so than now as rights rollbacks from the Trump administration and red statehouses hit close to home. Opposition to transgender rights was a central plank in Trump's presidential campaign and since taking office he has signed a series of executive orders recognizing only male and female genders, keeping trans athletes out of women's sports, banning trans people from serving in the military and restricting federal funding for gender-affirming care for trans people under age 19. Even states seen as safer for LGBTQ+ people have been navigating these edicts around trans athletes. Trump threatened to cut federal funding to California if a trans girl competed in a state track and field event held Saturday. AB Hernandez, a junior from Jurupa Valley High School in Riverside County, shared first place in the high jump and triple jump and second in the long jump. She shared the awards podium with her cisgender competitors under a new rule drafted by state athletics officials days before the event to mollify critics. Republican-led states have been in the vanguard of anti-trans legislation, causing greater geographic polarization and prompting fears among LGBTQ+ residents, even those who live in liberal cities. Jordan McGuire, a 27-year-old gay man in North Dakota, said the years he spent living in the Deep South taught him about the repressive discrimination routinely faced by gay and genderqueer people. At the same time, socially progressive cities in conservative states like Fargo and Grand Forks are no longer the safe havens they once were, he said. Now that his fiancee is transitioning to female, the couple is exploring a move to a 'sanctuary' state that will be safer for them. 'It feels like five or 10 years ago, trans people were not under the same microscope they are now and that has definitely influenced our move,' McGuire said. 'Yeah, people were prejudiced but it wasn't a witch hunt. They weren't looking for people in bathrooms and schools. But now things are so polarized.' That rising anxiety was captured in a post-election survey from UCLA's Williams Institute which found that nearly half of transgender people had already fled unsupportive communities and nearly 1 in 4 were considering uprooting their lives. The most frequently cited reasons for wanting to move were concerns about LGBTQ+ rights – 76% – the sociopolitical climate – 71% – anti-trans rhetoric and climate – 60% – and anti-trans laws and policies – 47%. Interest in relocating to friendlier states is even higher today than it was after Trump's reelection, say nonprofit workers who aid trans and gender-diverse people relocate to more liberal states with broader protections. So far in 2025, Rainbow Railroad in Canada has received more than 3,000 requests from LGBTQ+ people living in the United States, up more than 1,000% from the same time last year, according to communications director Timothy Chan. Nearly all requested international relocation support. For now, Rainbow Railroad can't aid Americans with resettlement services because of immigration restrictions, Chan said. TRACTION has heard from a record number of people from states as far away as Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas with many of them reporting being threatened or feeling unsafe in their homes and neighborhoods, said Michael Woodward, the executive director of the trans-led organization in Washington state. Trans and gender-diverse people historically face financial hardship due to systemic oppression and discrimination, and need assistance finding jobs and housing as well as with interstate moving expenses that can run tens of thousands, Woodward said. TRACTION used to get a few applications a week until Trump won a second term. In the two weeks following the election, 'we received as many requests for assistance as we'd received in the entire life of the project thus far,' he said. After the inauguration, TRACTION started getting three to five applications every day. With one employee and a handful of volunteers, his organization is struggling to keep up with demand, Woodward said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: These are the safest states for gay and trans people
