Trans Americans Are Turning to TikTok to Crowdfund Their Relocations

Richards said there has been a surge in applications since the election, with the majority of requests coming from Texas and Florida. In October, TCP received more than 20 applications. By mid-November, the number exceeded 400. “No one really knows what’s going to happen… The rhetoric has come out and it’s been translated into legislation. Even if Trump doesn’t take any action, we already have a problem.

on such a platform As Instagram, mutual aid fund Provides a safe way for people to anonymously seek assistance with relocation costs, medical expenses, treatment costs, travel expenses, etc., as well as make donations. Accounts that became popular in 2020, sharpposts stories and letters from trans people in need; users can then anonymously donate directly to anyone they like by visiting that person’s gift registry, which is shared by the Instagram account. Others, e.g. gender bandwhich provides annual subsidies for a variety of transition care-related expenses, including procedures, travel expenses, and paperwork.

However, finding these networks can be tricky for those in need. Both Iris and Kaliyah are familiar with rainbow railwaya non-profit organization operating globally Help LGBTQ+ escape persecutionbut this would not be the case if the effort were smaller and more focused. Getting the message out to those in need is crucial. Compounding the problem are the security concerns of the organizers themselves. Making yourself famous also gives yourself a goal.

She said Richards took on the responsibility of being in the spotlight to better protect her team. TCP is committed to “scaling as quickly as possible,” including fundraising, training volunteers and trying to bring together resources outside of Colorado. “We are talking to other groups in Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Washington and other safe states who are trying to compile similar lists of resources like ours,” she said. “We’re trying to support other groups trying to do the same thing so we can meet that need.”

None of this work can be done blindly and requires careful review. “It’s definitely tricky,” she said. “It requires a high level of trust on both sides.”

“Even some of these networks are too underground for us to touch. They won’t use a 501(c)(3), but I respect that. I know that because we are more underground than most networks, we are essentially face greater risks.

With Trump just weeks away from taking office in January, the politicization of the transgender community shows no sign of slowing down. Kaliya pointed out mega Dollar In recent election cycles, Republicans have spent money on anti-trans ads. “For those who refuse to educate themselves, we are still in the age of misinformation, where things that are untrue will spread,” Kaliya said. Focusing on trans people, she said, “only affects the election of people who are already absolutely right.” A way to further demonize the population.”