Moving people is a game of several moves. We might help someone move from their abusive parent’s house to a temporary location like a hotel, then move on to a less expensive temp rented room or airbnb. Then they might wait a month for a visa, fly to another country, again wait in a room while we get them a route to a safe country. It’s a brutal waiting game.
To cut costs and because sometimes our clients can’t pay for a room without being apprehended, we want to establish trans havens.
We also have, from time to time, other special projects.
PRESS RELEASETrans Rescue Joins Genocide Scholars To Discuss Danger For Trans Americans
Enschede, Netherlands, 26/03/2026
Are transgender Americans facing an impending genocide, and if so, how quickly?
Trans Rescue joins a panel of distinguished genocide scholars and historians to examine the state of being trans in America today.
Panel participants are:
Dr. Elisa von Joeden-Forgey
Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention.
Dr. Susan Stryker
Historian, author and filmmaker, with a focus on trans communities and identities.
Dr. Henry Theriault
Former President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS). Founding co-editor of the journal Genocide Studies International.
Anne Ogborn, Director of Trans Rescue
Activist for trans issues since the ’80s, Original member of Queer Nation, founder of Transgender Nation.
Join us on 29th March 2026, at 6pm Pacific Time.
Details:
– Sunday, 29 March 2026
– https://twitch.tv/transrescue
– 6-7pm Pacific Time; 9-10pm Eastern
About Trans Rescue:
Trans Rescue is a Dutch NGO that helps trans, intersex, and genderqueer people escape from places where being trans is dangerous.
###
The infamous Kansas driving license letter.
It’s a sad day for transgender Americans, those in Kansas in particular, as the Kansas State Legislature bill SB 244 prohibiting transgender Kansans from changing their assigned gender on a driving license comes in to force. The state has mailed Transgender Kansans a letter advising them that their driving licenses are now invalid, and the letter is circulating widely on social media. In a future time it will become as notorious a law as the Fugitive Slave Act or the Nazi regime’s October 5, 1938 order that all Jews must have a J stamped in their passports and change their name to a “Jewish Name”. It is a law that Kansas will one day regret having passed, but for now it encapsulates the present danger. Transgender Kansans need help and support, and fast.
Over here at Trans Rescue we have been spelling out the coming dangers for Trans Americans for several years now, and telling you all how to leave the USA. We continue to believe the best solution is to leave the USA, not to move to a blue state. As oppression spreads, you may find yourself without resources to get out of the US if you have just spent all your money moving to a blue state.
For Transgender Kansans who are considering leaving the USA we have produced and continue to produce as much information as we can to help. Every Saturday we hold an “Office Hours” online drop-in call at which you can receive practical face-to-face advice, and there are a series of articles with useful information. In particular our original post from way back in 2022 deals with getting ready to leave, we have a post with advice for those with little funds, and we set out clearly why claiming asylum in another country is a bad choice. In the works we have a much more comprehensive work featuring more in-depth advice and a directory of possible destinations, due over the next month or two.
If you are not an American, and are trying to understand what’s happened, you should know that the US has no state or national ID card. Instead, a state issued driver’s license takes it’s place. A driver’s license is so widely used as an ID that most states will issue a “driving license” that doesn’t convey any driving privileges, and it is impossible to rent a hotel room, an apartment, or a concrete mixer, to vote, enroll in school, or buy beer without one.
The Kansas driving license law may be a feature of Trump’s America, but we don’t think it represents the real America, a country of largely decent people. We have faith in the courage of ordinary Americans to help their trans compatriots in their hour of need, and we know that fairness will eventually prevail. The more trans Americans escape Trump’s tyranny, whether in Kansas or in the country as a whole, the more of us there will be surviving afterwards to bear witness. While the current regime remains in power we will not abandon our quest to help them.
Storm clouds over Kansas header image: NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory, Public domain.
PRESS RELEASETransgender People Are Escaping The UK, Says Dutch NGO
Enschede, Netherlands, 30/04/2025
Contact information: contact@transrescue.org
Trans Rescue, a Netherlands-based refugee NGO, has seen a 40-fold increase in British transgender people seeking to escape hate in the United Kingdom following the recent Supreme Court case that invalidated their human rights.
Anne Ogborn, Director, Trans Rescue, said: “ We have been concerned for a long time about the climate of fear and hate stoked in the UK media and government by anti-trans forces. The Supreme Court decision however changes conditions from vilification to danger. British trans people are fleeing. The United Kingdom has shamefully joined the list with Yemen and Afghanistan as a source of refugees. “.
After Brexit, the options available when leaving the UK have decreased significantly. European countries are already preparing for transgender refugees fleeing the United States, now they must also accommodate British transgender refugees.
About Trans Rescue:
Trans Rescue is a Dutch NGO that helps trans, intersex, and genderqueer people escape from places where being trans is dangerous, using the 1951 UN Refugee Convention.
To date we have directly extracted about 165 people, and helped many thousands more with help and advice on escaping hate.
We do so legally and securely. Our passengers move by normal air or train travel, not in containers. Our passengers present valid papers at border controls.
###
Alexis
Border Crossing Basics
Many people who approach Trans Rescue are looking to potentially cross a border for the first time. The exact precautions and rules will vary depending on the country you are entering, but below are some basic guidelines to make any border crossing go as smoothly as possible. These are intended for people who are planning to cross the border independently. If you are crossing with Trans Rescue, follow the instructions of your team.
A good general guideline is to always tell the truth with border agents. If it turns out you’re bringing something prohibited in, you can often choose to surrender the item, pay a penalty, or not to cross the border if it is declared. If you do not declare it but are found to have entered with the prohibited item, you are subject to criminal charges.
In general, border guards have few restrictions on when they can deny entry, ban someone from entry, or even arrest them. Many people safely cross borders every day. That said, it is important to know the stakes so you can stay calm in the moment. Joking or seeming not to take the process seriously can set the wrong tone, and should be avoided.
What are border guards protecting against?
Border guards want to ensure that you will not cause harm to citizens and that you will not bring in items or substances which could harm the country or its industries. They want to make sure that you are traveling of your own free will and for your stated purpose. They want to know that they will not need to provide you with housing or financial support and that you will not stay past your declared timeline. They want to make sure you will not work without permission. They want to enforce trade rules, including import taxes (duties).
As part of this, they will often ask for details about your life. This does not mean you are under suspicion or in trouble. Border guards want to check that you have a consistent story and that you don’t end up changing details. The best way to make sure this is the case is to tell the truth and not get flustered.
While some questions may be prompted by your appearance, your answers to other questions, or by whether you appear nervous, officers also randomly select travelers for more intense scrutiny. If you are pulled aside for more intense questions, it could be random.
Documentation
There are two documents involved in traveling internationally. A passport is, effectively, a letter from your home country saying that you are traveling under their protection. In ancient times travelers found wandering in the wilderness could be killed with impunity. So those who traveled carried a letter from their king saying “Please don’t kill Bob. It would displease me.” Modern passports descend from these letters and are usually a booklet.
The second document is a visa for the country you are traveling to. These are normally a stamp in your passport, but occasionally are a separate document.
In most cases you must show your passport at the border. For safety, we recommend having a physical photocopy of your passport with you as well. While a photocopy is not valid for legal purposes, it can be valuable if your passport is confiscated for some reason. Additionally, we recommend leaving a copy of your passport with a trusted person at home.
Reason for Travel
Most border officials will ask the purpose of your visit. There are plenty of valid reasons to be traveling to another country – to meet up with friends, to visit a famous site, or to attend an event, for example. The reason you are traveling to the country you are visiting should be in line with the visa you intend to use.
Be prepared to share the address/location where you will be staying, as well as the names and contact information of anyone you are planning to visit. If you are visiting people, be prepared to share how you know them. (Common reasons are social organizations such as churches or volunteer organizations, mutual friends – know who they are!, meeting at an event, or meeting via work. If you have met online, you should share that, but be aware that there may be increased scrutiny because of concerns of trafficking. If you have done any vetting of the person (video calls, phone calls, friends of friends) share that.
You will be asked how long you intend to stay in the destination country, and should be prepared to answer this. If you will be staying with a friend, they should know ahead of time how long you will be staying, and be prepared to answer a phone call from the border guard. If you will be staying at a hotel, we recommend that you have a reservation for the length of your stay. Do not be vague, even if you enjoy ‘letting it flow’ on vacation. Have a paper copy of your hotel reservation.
What to bring
You should bring personal effects which will be necessary for the planned purpose of your trip. If you are planning to camp, bring camping gear but not formal clothing. If you have only said you plan on visiting museums, it would be odd to bring camping gear. If your stated purpose is tourism, don’t carry your diploma.
Bring an appropriate amount of money for the activities you plan to do and the length of time you plan to stay. Check the destination country’s laws for information on limits of cash that can be brought in. Be aware that valuables may be assessed for tax purposes.
Do not bring food across borders. Many countries have concerns about diseases or pests which could impact their agriculture, and ban certain foods for these reasons. These items are taken extremely seriously. Other countries have an interest in protecting a specific market, such as dairy or meat, and will prohibit items for those reasons. Fines can be applied per item, and that can include every single cherry in a bag if they’re feeling like it. In general, it is safest to plan not to bring any food. If you must, check the laws of your destination country to be sure that what you bring is allowed, and always declare all that you have with you.
What not to bring
Don’t bring weapons or prohibited drugs. Check the destination country’s laws around what may be considered a weapon or drug. For example, some countries may allow bear spray or certain lengths of pocket knives, but those may be prohibited in other countries.
Some drugs are “controlled substances”. Methylfenidate (Ritalin, used to treat ADHD), opioids (painkillers), and testosterone are common examples. You should check on requirements and comply with them when bringing such across borders. Syringes may get additional questions asked. Many trans people stock up on HRT. Excessive amounts may get you unwanted questioning. If you are DIYing HRT, do not bring it across the border.
When possible, do not bring medications cross-border, and instead bring a copy of your prescription to get a local doctor to prescribe your medications. If you must bring medications, bring them in their original containers and if possible bring a copy of the prescription for them. Declare them at the border.
Electronics
Border agents have authorization to check the contents of any electronic device you are bringing across the border. In general, it is recommended to clear off your devices as much as possible before travel. Even if you believe there is nothing incriminating on your devices, it gives border forces a chance to ask questions. Anything that causes questions, even innocent ones, is bad.
A factory reset is the most sure way to clear your phone. If a factory reset is truly not possible, at least remove all social media apps and log out of all accounts. Set a password on your phone rather than a fingerprint, facial recognition or other biometric, when possible. In some jurisdictions, you can be legally compelled to unlock a phone with biometrics, but not with a password.
If you are coming to meet a friend you only know online, you should retain your chat history with them. You want your phone to support your story.
Traveling by private vehicle
When traveling in a private vehicle, border guards will want you to be able to show that you have a right to be using that vehicle (i.e., that it is not stolen.) This is simplest if you are the owner, though if you are not, check on what documentation will be necessary.
If you are traveling with others and someone else breaks the rules, that may impact your ability to cross the border at that time and potentially in the future. Travel with people you trust and make sure you are all on the same page about what your plans are and what you are bringing.
Approaching the border
Follow posted signs when approaching the border, and enter at a designated border crossing. If you are driving, obey the speed limits. Border guards can (and do) observe people as they approach the border. In general, it is safest to start acting like you are interacting with border guards a bit before you actually get to the checkpoint (ie, stop making jokes that could be misinterpreted, don’t discuss sensitive topics, etc.)
Other common questions you may be asked
Are you employed, what kind of work do you do, where, and for how long?
Where do you live, and how long have you lived there?
Your educational background
The length of any current relationship (especially if traveling with a partner)
Where you grew up
If you plan to work while in the country (if you do, make sure you have a visa which allows this.) Note that if you plan to volunteer on an organic farm or help a friend fix their deck, border forces may see that as work and require a work visa, even if you are not paid.
Today, Donald Trump will be inaugurated for his second term as President of the United States. We all know what kind of president he will be, and what this is likely to mean for trans Americans. Our advice remains as it has been for the past few years; for trans Americans to plan their exit from the country. We’ve already helped a large number of you to leave, some of whom we’re pleased to have welcomed in Europe, but we know there remain a huge number of you still in the USA. Many people will offer you sympathy, but you don’t just need sympathy, you need to survive.
First of all, don’t panic.
As MAGA soundbites fly around and repressive executive orders are signed, we understand how easy it must be to despair. But there’s still hope, and there is still time. We believe that there are few trans Americans who can not leave their country by some means, and thus we implore you to make a plan, and follow it through. What plan you make is up to your circumstances and perception of risk, and to help you we have produced plenty of resources.
Don’t wait to find out
It’s likely that tomorrow, or next week, or next month, will begin without the mob coming to round up all American trans people. The predicted disaster will not come immediately, and many people will start to relax a little. It’s not that bad, they’ll say, we’ll be OK, we’ll get through it. Our advice would be to not succumb to this, because we expect the coming disaster to be more akin to a gradual closing of the jaws than an immediate crackdown. If you take a moment to read some Holocaust history you will find plenty of heart-wrenching stories of people whose chance of escape was missed, and we do not want you to find yourselves in that position. Never lose sight of the MAGA agenda towards trans people, and make sure you are gone before those jaws close too far for you to make it.
Find your networks.
Reach out to your friends and loved ones. Support each other. When Trump was elected we posted the following:
We have faith that many of our fellow Americans will, in the end, help us in our time of need. You will find among your fellow citizens those who will respect and protect you, but think about your day-to-day security, and act accordingly.
We still stand by this, and we believe that those many Americans who did not want Trump’s oligarchy will support you.
Make your plan, and good luck!
We firmly believe that escaping is within the grasp of the majority of trans Americans. We think you can do it, and we have spent the past few years working to ensure that not just those individuals with wealth can make it. Whether you arrive in another country in a Gulfstream or in a Greyhound, you will have escaped the reach of Trump, and you will survive. We’ve brought together as many resources and as much advice as we can elsewhere to help you plan your exit. Good luck.
For many people, teaching English in a foreign country is a popular and realistic way of travelling the world. You can sample cultures and meet people that you may only have read or watched vlogs about. For many of us it has also represented a way out of our countries, allowing us to live abroad perhaps in places where we can live a life that we want to. But below the dream lurks risks and dangers which might be hard to spot or easy to overlook.
In this article, I will share some of my experience to help you get the best experience as you look to move to another country.
If you want to learn about the TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English as a second or other language) industry a bit more there are dozens, if not hundreds, or websites where you can do that. I recommend the British Council’s Teaching English site (https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/) as a good place to learn about the job in general.
What I want to go into in a bit more detail is to look at four ‘do’s’ for trans folk if you are considering work in this field.
Do move intentionally and keep an open mind
One of the first things you might notice is there is an overwhelming number of locations you can choose from. There is work available in every continent, barring Antarctica – penguins make poor customers and don’t seem especially interested in learning English.
So first of all, think about what kind of place would you most like to live. Try to avoid thinking about where you like going on holiday as those countries aren’t necessarily the best places to live full-time. Sri Lanka, for instance, is an almost perfect holiday destination (despite the fact we’re illegal there), but living there was a nightmare of high electricity prices, very poor public transport, constant harassment on the streets, few shopping options, and high corruption. That last issue meant I overstayed my visa and ended up paying hundreds of dollars when I left.
South Korea on the other hand, is almost the opposite (although I wouldn’t bank on on the legal status of trans people there).
Try to also look past your own preconceptions. Thailand might seem like a good destination, but don’t let the prevalence of kathoey people trick you into thinking it’s a dream location, as they often talk about the prejudices they face in their daily lives.
You need to look at your personal priorities and think carefully about where the best places might be. You might find that through your homework some countries you had never considered turn out to be better than others.
Institutional intentionality
Another element of this intentionality is to look into the types of institutions and schools offering work in those locations. I would strongly advise looking at international or larger organisations. These are much more likely to have policies on equality diversity and inclusion and potentially LGBTQ+ representation. I mentioned the British Council earlier – they would be an excellent choice. Look also at International House, Wall Street Institute, and universities (although they are harder to get work in).
For my money, as a transgender person, most of western Europe would be a good bet (especially Portugal and Spain). However I also know of a trans woman teaching in Vietnam.
Do back yourself to succeed
You might find that this all seems impossible and overwhelming and there’s no way you will ever achieve this. You might tell yourself all manner of ‘logical’ reasons why you are doomed to fail:
“I’ve never taught, how can I ever succeed with this?”
“I can’t learn a new skill, I’m too [XYZ]”
“Teaching is for people with [personality / skill X]; that’s not me!”
“I don’t know anything about that country…”
“I don’t know anyone there…”
“What if the students hate me?”
“What if I run into issues with the school?”
Well I’ve worked with people of all ages and backgrounds. I’ve actually trained a 62 year old who’d only started teaching university students a couple of years previously to teach preschool kids. He was great!
While you may face some issues with students or parents, this is why finding a good school is key. Not only will they be more willing to back you, they will also probably have a good training programme, and possibly some scheme to help integrate you into the country.
But even with the most supportive of employer, you still need to tell yourself ‘I can do this…’. Believe me; I have seen people from all walks of life succeed and thrive.
Do remain professional
OK, so story time: in my first TEFL job in South Korea I was terrible. I’d go out drinking every night. I’d come into work 30 minutes before class stinking of soju. My classes were poorly-planned, lacked structure and discipline. My students were bored and frustrated in my lessons. In other words, I was the worst.
But I wanted to stay. I realised – perhaps too late – that I really enjoyed the job and was hoping they would renew my contract. I asked the director if that was a possibility,
Friend; they did not renew my contract. On the last day of my contract, I got my severance pay and, because of the visa regulations, had 24 hours to leave the country. Luckily I had the privilege of being able to go back to the UK, take a qualification, and try again.
If you are looking at teaching as a means to get to a safer and better country, you do not want to be in a position where you need to scramble to get another job and go through an application process according to someone else’s timeline.
Don’t give the management the option of letting you go or dismissing you. Plan your lessons, go to the meetings, take the courses and get the qualifications, submit your paperwork on time. Yes, this does mean staying in the office a bit longer and doing the ‘boring’ stuff. But it will be noticed if you don’t. And it is appreciated when you do! It might also mean having to invest some time and money into getting a teaching qualification, but it will pay off in the long-run.
You can still enjoy the nightlife and the culture – but make sure you keep that to your own time!
Do gain local friends
Oh boy! Now don’t get me wrong; I love living abroad. I enjoy meeting all the variety of people who decided to move, and learn what has brought our paths to the same point. I have met some genuinely fascinating people. Some have lived with yak herders in Outer Mongolia. Some have been enforcers for local mobs. Some are absolute bullshit artists, but are so entertaining you have to forgive them for it.
But goodness gracious, so many of them love a moan about their host country!
I do often wonder why some people stick around certain countries for so long if they apparently hate everything about it, but be careful about getting drawn into their criticisms. While sometimes they do raise valid points, there’s often little that can be done about bureaucracy or cultural differences. I won’t say why I think they are complaining so long and loud about the place they chose to come to. I will say that it can often result in a myopic and superficial way of looking at the place.
So with this in mind, I would strongly recommend finding local friends or contacts as they will be much more useful in helping you to navigate things like healthcare provision, contract or governmental issues. They can also introduce you to other, wider social networks. I have found LGBTQ organisations and groups, sports teams, and other resources by looking locally rather than counting on the help of other “expats”.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t count on non-local people sometimes, it’s just you’re more likely to find what you need by digging a little deeper. This may mean working a bit harder – go onto Facebook or local sub Reddit groups, be a bit more ‘assertive’ in social settings, and – yes, elephant in the room – there will be language barriers. But that’s also where local friends can help.
Only four do’s?
I wrote this knowing this could only give a certain amount of information – I could easily write a book about this. I also recognise that this is rather general. It’s hard for me to go into specifics without knowing more about your personal circumstances. I hope that this has given you a few useful things to consider. I have found living abroad to be very rewarding and if you are considering it, I would recommend it – if you can do it right.
If you would find it useful, I am happy to answer questions. Feel free to reach out to me at andy@transrescue.org, and I’ll answer when I can.
About the author:
Andy (she/her) is an educator, parent, yoga enthusiast, traveller, cook, and transgender woman. She has a BSc in Psychology and an MA in Education, plus TEFL-specific qualifications CELTA and DELTA. She has been working in TEFL for 20 years, living and working in South Korea, Poland, the UK, Sri Lanka, and Kuwait. You can find her living in Warsaw, Poland with her girlfriend. But they would love to move to Madrid as soon as possible!
Donald Trump won the 2024 Presidential election, and since anti-trans rhetoric has been a central plank of both his campaign and the policies behind it, the prospects are not looking good for America’s trans people. Our advice to trans Americans is to leave the USA in any way possible before he has a chance to clamp down, so this document will consider how the trans community in safer parts of the world can ensure that there are adequate support structures in place when that happens. Our target audience today then are trans groups, allies, and activists outside the USA, who will be instrumental in providing that help.
Providing Safe Accommodation
What do we mean when we talk about help and support? Many arrivals from America will have nowhere to go, so safe accommodation will be of the most use to them. We don’t expect that support to spontaneously arise from the wider community as it did with the Ukrainian refugees, instead it’s up to us in the trans community to step up to the plate.
Others will be needed to help them with legal or immigration issues, meanwhile the most important thing for them on arrival will be to know that they will not end up on the streets. This accommodation is, we think, best provided by individuals sharing their spare bedrooms or similar, and not by attempts to set up safe houses. A safe house is a complex thing to set up and get right, and on our travels we have seen more than one with significant problems.
This is too big for a single group
Here at Trans Rescue, we know that our small network will not be anywhere near enough to handle the likely numbers of trans Americans needing help. To provide that support it will be necessary for a much wider coming together of groups and individuals to work in unison. This is a much bigger task than any single group can handle.
It will be difficult for one international body to coordinate their support from a central point, so we think that each country should have its own groups meeting the needs of its arrivals. This could be a single point in the case of a small country, or a grouping of regional or provincial ones in the case of large countries such as Canada.
We would expect that national or regional groups would work with each other in some way at a higher level, indeed we view this cooperation as essential. Our experience shows that when such entities fail to talk to each other it is inevitable that some passengers will disappear in the voids left between them. When lives are at stake there is no room for egos.
How can this be done?
So, who is going to do this? It’s likely that there will be many activists willing to take up the baton, but we’d like to exercise a word of caution about going it alone. This is much too large a task for a single person, particularly one who is learning on the job. Down that road lies burnout and failure, so given the short time available to organise, it’s imperative that people work together.
Whoever does it, the very nature of the job will require an extensive network to be built in a very short time, and the best placed to do this might be some of the existing support structures. Over the last few years we’ve seen very effective activism in the field of trans healthcare, and we’re guessing that groups of that nature might be best placed to provide the necessary networks. Working with local trans support groups that could find the people on the ground with spare capacity, and perhaps more importantly vouch for their not being problematic, they could then match those hosts with their arrivals.
It’s likely that running such an operation will require some significant time from those involved. Far from simply putting up a website to match arrivals with hosts, this will need people to work the phones, maintain the network, check out issues on the ground, and support people wherever they end up. The volunteers running the operation will need to be aware they are making as significant a commitment as taking a second unpaid job for a few months, and it’s important that they do not overwork themselves and burn out.
We think that the trans communities in countries outside the USA can provide this level of support to trans Americans fleeing a Trump presidency. We hope that this document has given something of a pathway by which that can be done, and we are looking forward to working in whatever way we can with whatever groups appear in this space.
When this is eventually over, we all want to be able to look back at a successful operation to help those trans Americans who escaped Trump. Are you ready to join us?
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
A dark cloud has fallen over America, and it may be many years before it is lifted. The moment we all dreaded has arrived, the Presidential election has been called for Donald Trump.
Trump’s supporters will undoubtedly act as though he is already president, and we expect in the immediate future they will act in the expectation that he will pardon any of their actions against people perceived as his enemies. We have already seen what MAGA followers were capable of on January 6th 2021, so we expect that their actions will be lawless. They have been primed for years to see trans people as the scapegoat for America’s problems, and as they search for victims it’s possible they might pick on their nearest one.
We Americans in the west’s vast spaces stop to help travelers broken down far from town. We have faith that many of our fellow Americans will, in the end, help us in our time of need. You will find among your fellow citizens those who will respect and protect you, but think about your day-to-day security, and act accordingly.
The one bright side is that, though Trump may have won the election it’s worth remembering that the Biden presidency lasts until the 20th of January. Between now and the inauguration there may be an increasing level of danger, but after that the conditions are certain to worsen precipitously. We believe that a Trump presidency will end any notion of safe states or of sanctuary cities, and thus our advice remains that if at all possible, as a trans person you should consider leaving the USA. Ideally you should do this before January 20.
We have written at length about planning an exit, and we know that doing so in such a short time will necessitate some difficult choices. How you consider these is up to you, but start by getting yourself a passport if you don’t already have one. Then formulate your plan, whether it be getting on a plane or crossing a border, and once the document arrives, enact it. We know not everyone will escape the new American dictatorship, but we hope you can be one of those who does.
Good luck.
We’re now 3 weeks into Eden House. It’s been a busy time, so we’re having an update.
What we’ve accomplished:
Cleaned up
Gotten the plumbing mostly repaired
Been broken into 3 times, (local thieves, not transphobia as far as we know) and house security has held each time.
Improved house security – secured the ladder, installed concertina wire atop the wall in places, replaced many of the locks, and installed motion detector lights
Developed strong relationships with our neighbors. Honestly , the theives have been a blessing – they’ve given us a non-controversial roject to cooperate on.
Made more household furnishings – we’ve made 3 sofas and 5 beds. (Tomato crates are amazing!).
Bought basic carpentry tools, got past some gender stereotypes about what’s appropriate women’s work, and had basic tool use classes. Everyone caught on, and now is much more self sufficient.
built a chicken coop
Planted a garden
What Is Eden House, How is a ‘Trans Haven’ different from a ‘hidey hole’ or temp shelter?
A ‘hidey hole’ is a temporary place for a trans person to hide while we get them out. We have these in various places around the world. They’re uncomfortable bare rooms, not a place to live very long.
Some organizations make Queer homeless shelters. A place where a queer person can come and stay safely, but not very comfortably for the long term.
Instead, we’ve chosen to make a more ‘plush’ place. Trans folks can come and stay as long as they like. We help them find productive work within the context of the Haven. Some may choose to stay their entire lives, some may choose to leave soon.
Financially, we expect the place to become self supporting, a communal living space. Folks come and go at a stereotypical ‘hippy commune’, soem staying a long time. We can do much the same.
Why?
Obviously it’s a bigger undertaking than a minimal place with crammed in bunk beds. So why do it?
First, Kenya’s a big country, we regularly get folks asking us for help. Mostly in danger in a small town, they just need a place to go and a bit of travel money. Renting an apartment for each is expensive. In the end, Eden House becomes a free place to send folks.
Second, if folks are housed independent of each other, they’re without mutual support – at Eden House a job training program or remote work system or trauma support is easy to set up. Spread out, it’s not.
Third, Kenya is indeed dangerous – we picked a place with a wall, and it’ll take a lot of guts to attack a house full of people with good security (we’ve already made the house look a bit like a fortress – local thieves have been ‘pentesting’ it for us).
Fourth, institutions (police demanding bribes, local religious leaders stirring hate) have a harder target. We are already a resource for our neighbors (our neighbor benefits from our security arrangements, our other neighbor is a vendor (She supplies our chickens)).
Fifth, this is the start of a long term project– we can expand and form a constantly growing queer community. To do that people need to feel free to stay in or around the project.
To those of you who don’t remember the 80’s, Queer havens like San Francisco’s Castro and New York’s Christopher Street were important organizing centers.
If we have a strong community in one country or one city in East Africa, we can expand out and create change in the entire region. It’s not just Kenya that will change, but all East Africa.
Sixth, Kenya is a place we can get folks from the Middle East or Africa to easily, and those are some of the worst places to be trans now. Eden House makes our other operations much, much easier.
Seventh, Kenya’s a country with an improving record of human rights, largely outside the fascism taking over many countries. It might end up as a base to retreat to.
PRESS RELEASE Trans Rescue Joins Genocide Scholars To Discuss Danger For Trans Americans Enschede, Netherlands, 26/03/2026 Are transgender Americans facing an impending genocide, and if so, how quickly? Trans Rescue joins a panel of distinguished genocide scholars and historians to examine the state of being trans in America today. Panel participants are: Dr. Elisa von Joeden-Forgey Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention. Dr. Susan Stryker Historian, author and filmmaker, with a focus on trans communities and identities. Dr. Henry Theriault Former President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS). Founding co-editor of the journal Genocide Studies International. Anne Ogborn, Director of Trans Rescue Activist for trans issues since the ’80s, Original member of Queer Nation, founder of Transgender Nation. Join us on 29th March 2026, at 6pm Pacific Time. Details: – Sunday, 29 March 2026 – https://twitch.tv/transrescue – 6-7pm Pacific Time; 9-10pm Eastern About Trans Rescue: Trans Rescue is a Dutch NGO that helps trans, intersex, and genderqueer people escape from places where being trans is dangerous. ###
Alexis Border Crossing Basics Many people who approach Trans Rescue are looking to potentially cross a border for the first time. The exact precautions and rules will vary depending on the country you are entering, but below are some basic guidelines to make any border crossing go as smoothly as possible. These are intended for people who are planning to cross the border independently. If you are crossing with Trans Rescue, follow the instructions of your team. A good general guideline is to always tell the truth with border agents. If it turns out you’re bringing something prohibited in, you can often choose to surrender the item, pay a penalty, or not to cross the border if it is declared. If you do not declare it but are found to have entered with the prohibited item, you are subject to criminal charges. In general, border guards have few restrictions on when they can deny entry, ban someone from entry, or even arrest them. Many people safely cross borders every day. That said, it is important to know the stakes so you can stay calm in the moment. Joking or seeming not to take the process seriously can set the wrong tone, and should be avoided. What are border guards protecting against? Border guards want to ensure that you will not cause harm to citizens and that you will not bring in items or substances which could harm the country or its industries. They want to make sure that you are traveling of your own free will and for your stated purpose. They want to know that they will not need to provide you with housing or financial support and that you will not stay past your declared timeline. They want to make sure you will not work without permission. They want to enforce trade rules, including import taxes (duties). As part of this, they will often ask for details about your life. This does not mean you are under suspicion or in trouble. Border guards want to check that you have a consistent story and that you don’t end up changing details. The best way to make sure this is the case is to tell the truth and not get flustered. While some questions may be prompted by your appearance, your answers to other questions, or by whether you appear nervous, officers also randomly select travelers for more intense scrutiny. If you are pulled aside for more intense questions, it could be random. Documentation There are two documents involved in traveling internationally. A passport is, effectively, a letter from your home country saying that you are traveling under their protection. In ancient times travelers found wandering in the wilderness could be killed with impunity. So those who traveled carried a letter from their king saying “Please don’t kill Bob. It would displease me.” Modern passports descend from these letters and are usually a booklet. The second document is a visa for the country you are traveling to. These are normally a stamp in your passport, but occasionally are a separate document. In most cases you must show your passport at the border. For safety, we recommend having a physical photocopy of your passport with you as well. While a photocopy is not valid for legal purposes, it can be valuable if your passport is confiscated for some reason. Additionally, we recommend leaving a copy of your passport with a trusted person at home. Reason for Travel Most border officials will ask the purpose of your visit. There are plenty of valid reasons to be traveling to another country – to meet up with friends, to visit a famous site, or to attend an event, for example. The reason you are traveling to the country you are visiting should be in line with the visa you intend to use. Be prepared to share the address/location where you will be staying, as well as the names and contact information of anyone you are planning to visit. If you are visiting people, be prepared to share how you know them. (Common reasons are social organizations such as churches or volunteer organizations, mutual friends – know who they are!, meeting at an event, or meeting via work. If you have met online, you should share that, but be aware that there may be increased scrutiny because of concerns of trafficking. If you have done any vetting of the person (video calls, phone calls, friends of friends) share that. You will be asked how long you intend to stay in the destination country, and should be prepared to answer this. If you will be staying with a friend, they should know ahead of time how long you will be staying, and be prepared to answer a phone call from the border guard. If you will be staying at a hotel, we recommend that you have a reservation for the length of your stay. Do not be vague, even if you enjoy ‘letting it flow’ on vacation. Have a paper copy of your hotel reservation. What to bring You should bring personal effects which will be necessary for the planned purpose of your trip. If you are planning to camp, bring camping gear but not formal clothing. If you have only said you plan on visiting museums, it would be odd to bring camping gear. If your stated purpose is tourism, don’t carry your diploma. Bring an appropriate amount of money for the activities you plan to do and the length of time you plan to stay. Check the destination country’s laws for information on limits of cash that can be brought in. Be aware that valuables may be assessed for tax purposes. Do not bring food across borders. Many countries have concerns about diseases or pests which could impact their agriculture, and ban certain foods for these reasons. These items are taken extremely seriously. Other countries have an interest in protecting a specific market, such as dairy or meat, and will prohibit items for those reasons. Fines can be applied per item, and that can include every single cherry in a bag if they’re feeling like it. In general, it is safest to plan not to bring any food. If you must, check the laws of your destination country to be sure that what you bring is allowed, and always declare all that you have with you. What not to bring Don’t bring weapons or prohibited drugs. Check the destination country’s laws around what may be considered a weapon or drug. For example, some countries may allow bear spray or certain lengths of pocket knives, but those may be prohibited in other countries. Some drugs are “controlled substances”. Methylfenidate (Ritalin, used to treat ADHD), opioids (painkillers), and testosterone are common examples. You should check on requirements and comply with them when bringing such across borders. Syringes may get additional questions asked. Many trans people stock up on HRT. Excessive amounts may get you unwanted questioning. If you are DIYing HRT, do not bring it across the border. When possible, do not bring medications cross-border, and instead bring a copy of your prescription to get a local doctor to prescribe your medications. If you must bring medications, bring them in their original containers and if possible bring a copy of the prescription for them. Declare them at the border. Electronics Border agents have authorization to check the contents of any electronic device you are bringing across the border. In general, it is recommended to clear off your devices as much as possible before travel. Even if you believe there is nothing incriminating on your devices, it gives border forces a chance to ask questions. Anything that causes questions, even innocent ones, is bad. A factory reset is the most sure way to clear your phone. If a factory reset is truly not possible, at least remove all social media apps and log out of all accounts. Set a password on your phone rather than a fingerprint, facial recognition or other biometric, when possible. In some jurisdictions, you can be legally compelled to unlock a phone with biometrics, but not with a password. If you are coming to meet a friend you only know online, you should retain your chat history with them. You want your phone to support your story. Traveling by private vehicle When traveling in a private vehicle, border guards will want you to be able to show that you have a right to be using that vehicle (i.e., that it is not stolen.) This is simplest if you are the owner, though if you are not, check on what documentation will be necessary. If you are traveling with others and someone else breaks the rules, that may impact your ability to cross the border at that time and potentially in the future. Travel with people you trust and make sure you are all on the same page about what your plans are and what you are bringing. Approaching the border Follow posted signs when approaching the border, and enter at a designated border crossing. If you are driving, obey the speed limits. Border guards can (and do) observe people as they approach the border. In general, it is safest to start acting like you are interacting with border guards a bit before you actually get to the checkpoint (ie, stop making jokes that could be misinterpreted, don’t discuss sensitive topics, etc.) Other common questions you may be asked
Today, Donald Trump will be inaugurated for his second term as President of the United States. We all know what kind of president he will be, and what this is likely to mean for trans Americans. Our advice remains as it has been for the past few years; for trans Americans to plan their exit from the country. We’ve already helped a large number of you to leave, some of whom we’re pleased to have welcomed in Europe, but we know there remain a huge number of you still in the USA. Many people will offer you sympathy, but you don’t just need sympathy, you need to survive.
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 .
