This was originally posted nov 9, 2024. Updated Sept. 7, 2025 and 14 March 2026 .
At this time we are recommending that all Trans Americans obtain a passport, even if it’s a ‘Trump passport’ with wrong gender, then leave the USA physically, even if that is on a tourist visa. Once outside the USA, attempt to find a permanent way to remain outside the country. Do not seek to move to a ‘blue’ state – if you do not have the resources to leave, moving to Seattle will only reduce what savings you have.
This advice is based on concern that conditions within the USA could change rapidly, trapping you in the country. If passports are invalidated or existance becomes illegal, you want to be outside of US jurisdiction when it happens.
Do not seek asylum at this time. You will have only a remote chance of success, the consequence of failure is forced return to the US and exclusion from the place you sought refuge, depletion of your resources, and exposure to a miserable standard of living and elevated transphobia in an asylum seeker’s center.
Exactly how to get out is complex, and depends on your situation. We held a series of YouTube live streams on various topics. We have made a number of helpful videos as well. But one of the best tools for planning is our Office Hours program.
We are publishing more information all the time. Check out our website, particularly this article (bit dated, but still valid), our YouTube channel, and follow us on Mastodon @trans_rescue@mastodon.social. and Instagram .
Office Hours
Office Hours is an open Google Meet call where you can talk with our staff. It’s an open hang out- come for advice, for communitas with others in your situation, and to get support that no, you’re not crazy, this really is happening.
Office hours is held every Saturday at 8pm Amsterdam time (We’re headquartered there). That is usually 11am Pacific, but the Netherlands and US change time on different days, so check during March and October.
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/fez-emmc-ryy
Or dial: 617-675-4444 PIN: 485 383 284 2751#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/fez-emmc-ryy?pin=4853832842751
THIS CALENDAR IS ON US PACIFIC TIME
What to know up front
The situation is not hopeless. Of the hundreds of Americans we’ve spoken with in consults before the election, or in office hours, we were able to help almost all of them come up with a realistic plan to get out.
You need a passport. If you don’t have one, it’s the first step. Here’s how to do it.
We cannot give you money to help you leave. We continue to help people in Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other incredibly deadly places. We believe anyone can leave the USA, regardless of financial circumstance, on their own.
Many of you have written to us about asylum options. Asylum is not a realistic option for leaving. Conditions for trans people in the USA at this time do not support an asylum claim. Even if it were, it’s far worse than many other options open to you.
Sending us material about what you think will happen in the USA is not helpful. We’re not interested in predicting the future. We help people leave.
We are in the Netherlands. We would love to do more sessions at evening time, but this means being up at 3am for us. We feel being coherent is important during these broadcasts.
Leave. The time for ‘wait and see’ is long, long past. We once had a PR campaign to encourage you all to leave before Trump’s second term, with stages that would get everyone out by November 2024. As of this writing, it is 18 months later.
Leave. With the wind at your back and hope in your heart, leave.
Good luck to you all.
Trans Rescue