Advisory for Blind LGBTQ+ Individuals Traveling to the 2025 Blindness Conventions

Last Updated: May 6, 2025

Presented by the Advocacy Committee of Blind LGBT Pride International

Introduction

Blind LGBT Pride International (BPI) is celebrating its 25^th anniversary in 2025! BPI is the only independent nonprofit organization in the United States celebrating the intersectional identities of the blind and LGBTQ+ community. For the first time ever, BPI will have a presence at the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) convention this year! The NFB will be holding its convention from July 8-13 in New Orleans, LA. The American Council of the Blind (ACB) will be holding its annual convention from July 4-11 in Dallas, TX.

We recognize the unease and the risks facing the blind and LGBTQ+ community. Our members who are transgender, nonbinary, gender non-conforming, immigrants, and people of color are at great risk when traveling within the United States. As a member-led organization, BPI acknowledges and recognizes the risks facing marginalized members of our community who choose to travel to these events. We hope that the information in this document will empower you to advocate for your rights. We will outline ways to minimize risk and preserve your dignity and privacy. If you have questions, please email advocacy@blindlgbtpride.org. We hope that this information will be empowering and will help you protect yourself.

Disclaimer

Nothing in this document shall be interpreted as legal advice. This document does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please consult an attorney in your state. The information contained in this document was current as of the “last updated” date above. Blind LGBT Pride International (BPI) cannot guarantee that it remains current as of the date on which the document is read.

BPI is not responsible for the accuracy of any content contained in links or third-party sources mentioned in this document. Readers shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless BPI, and its subsidiaries and affiliates, from and against any and all losses, claims, costs, damages, fines, or other liabilities of any kind, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising out of or related to the readers’ conduct, misconduct, or negligent acts or omissions in connection with the content of this document.

General Travel Advisories

Since President Trump’s inauguration in 2025, the United States has grown more hostile to transgender, gender non-conforming, and LGBTQ+ people. At the federal level, the President has signed a raft of transphobic executive orders. The President’s first action in office was to sign an executive order demanding that the Department of State cease issuing passports with an “X” nonbinary gender marker or gender markers that don’t reflect a person’s sex assigned at birth. Additional executive orders forbid federal employees from recognizing transgender identities. In addition to targeting gender-expansive individuals, the current administration is also targeting certain citizens, immigrants and visitors, even those who are in the United States legally. Several European citizens have been detained. In response, Canada and six countries in Europe—Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom—have issued travel advisory warnings for their transgender citizens considering travel to the United States.

At the state level, the number of hostile bills introduced has been rapidly increasing over the last few years. More than 850 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced nationwide in 2025 alone, the most in U.S. history. This has created a hostile social and political environment. In response, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has declared a State of Emergency, issued a National Warning for LGBTQ+ residents and travelers, and produced a Guidebook for Action. It is our intent to supplement these resources by providing easily accessible information and blindness-specific tips that are unavailable anywhere else to manage risk. The following sections briefly describe current laws in Louisiana and Texas.

Know The Law in Louisiana

There is not currently a state-wide transgender bathroom law, compelling someone to use the bathroom matching their sex assigned at birth. Be aware however, that federal venues and federally funded spaces (e.g. TSA checkpoints, national parks, military spaces) may be enforcing sex-assigned-at-birth rules in restrooms, sports, or programs. Louisiana passed anti-transgender legislation in 2023 and 2024, including:

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House Bill 648 (Act No. 466), banning gender-affirming healthcare for minors (Louisiana Revised Statutes §§ 40:1098.1–1098.6). Convention attendees who are under 18 (or traveling with minors) should know that no gender-affirming medical services can be legally obtained in Louisiana. Trans youth visiting from out of state should ensure they bring sufficient medication from home, as Louisiana providers cannot assist.
House Bill 466, restricting discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools (Louisiana Revised Statutes §§17:416.23).

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Advocacy organizations have flagged Louisiana as hostile to transgender rights. State laws always take precedence over local ordinances. Given the existence of hostile state laws in Louisiana, local ordinances in New Orleans are largely symbolic.

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Local ordinances, specifically Chapter 86 of the New Orleans Code of Ordinances, prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation (New Orleans Code of Ordinances §§86-1 et seq.).

Know the Law in Texas

Texas has enacted several anti-LGBT+ laws, including:

Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors:

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Senate Bill 14 (88th Legislature, 2023)
Summary: Prohibits healthcare providers from offering gender-affirming treatments to individuals under 18.
Status: Effective September 1, 2023.
Citation: Texas Health and Safety Code § 161.702
Practical impact: Convention attendees who are under 18 (or traveling with minors) should know that no gender-affirming medical services can be legally obtained in Texas. Trans youth visiting from out of state should ensure they bring sufficient medication from home, as Texas providers cannot assist. Adult transgender convention-goers are not directly affected by SB14, but the hostile climate for trans healthcare may be felt (and it underscores the importance of carrying medication documentation, since some Texas pharmacists or EMTs might be less familiar with gender-affirming medications).

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Restrictions on Gender Marker Changes:

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Policy: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Internal Policy Change (August 2024)
Summary: DPS ceased accepting court orders or amended birth certificates for gender marker changes on driver’s licenses.
Citation: ACLU of Texas Fact Sheet

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State laws take precedence over local laws. As such, Dallas’ anti-discrimination ordinance is largely symbolic.

City of Dallas Non-Discrimination Ordinance

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Ordinance: Chapter 46 of the Dallas City Code
Summary: Prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
Status: Enacted in 2002; amended in 2015 to explicitly define and separate protections for sexual orientation and gender identity.
Citation: Dallas City Code, Chapter 46

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Under the city’s ordinance, individuals are allowed to use restrooms that correspond with their gender identity in all public accommodations, including businesses and private schools. Given the existence of anti-LGBTQ+ laws at the state level, travelers should exercise caution and stay informed about both local and state laws when visiting Dallas.

If you decide to travel to Louisiana or Texas, the following sections provide tips on preparing for travel and protecting your rights.

Preparing for Convention

Step One. Be Sure that Your Identity Documents Are in Order

If you choose to attend either convention, it is crucial to have up-to-date identity documentation. As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID compliant ID is needed for domestic air travel. If you do not already have a REAL ID compliant ID, it is a good idea to get this process going as soon as possible. Turn-around time can be one to three months and can require multiple visits to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or equivalent. If you need assistance with the name and gender on your documents, do an Internet search for the name of your city/state and “LGBT legal resources.” See the Resources section at the end of this document for more information.

Step Two. Ensure The Information on Your Identification Matches the Information on Your Tickets

Your full name and gender markers need to match identity documents. When booking air travel or if someone is doing it on your behalf, make sure that your full name and gender match your government ID. If you need assistance with this task, do an Internet search for the name of your city/state and “LGBT legal resources.” See the Resources section at the end of this document for more information. Regarding passports, reports indicate that on February 8, 2025, Secretary Rubio issued internal guidance detailing how the State Department will process applications. The State Department guidance is unclear about how it will process applications for correction for intersex people whose sex assigned at birth was inaccurate or designated X or unknown. You may wish to seek legal assistance before applying for a passport. For more information about your rights and passports, check out this resource from Advocates for Trans Equality.

Step Three. Prepare Your Digital Devices

Traveling as a blind person has unique challenges. As often as it is used, a smart phone may be an indispensable accessibility tool in your everyday life. Devices hold much of our private information, medical records, private communications, web browsing history, financial data, and the list goes on. We are often unaware of how our data gets used. Here are some tips on ways to make it more difficult for an overzealous official to gain access to your data.

Do Not Use Your Phone as a Source of Official Identification

Several states allow residents to use their phones as official identification. However, this means that in order to present your identification, you may be asked to give your phone to law enforcement or airport personnel. Doing so puts you at risk and could potentially allow them to access all data stored on your phone.

Set Passcodes on All Devices

Your devices should have passcodes. Use codes that are at least four digits long, consider using longer passcodes or complex passwords.

Consider Disabling Biometric Authentication

When you use your face or fingerprint to unlock your phone, these are known as biometric authentication. If detained, an official could seize your phone and put it in front of your face or place your finger fingerprint on the reader to unlock it, gaining access to your data. We recommend disabling biometric authentication while traveling.

Ensure That Eye Contact/“Attention” Is Required to Unlock Your Devices

Some blind travelers will not want to turn off face ID/touch ID. In that case, please make these login methods as secure as possible. Many modern smartphones such as iPhones have a setting that allows you to turn off the attention feature. This was designed to help blind folx who cannot look directly at the camera. However, it means that your face can be used to unlock your phone without authorization. If detained, someone could aim the phone at your face or place your finger on the fingerprint reader to gain access to your data without consent. Consider checking your settings to be sure that eye contact with the camera or “attention” is required.

Consider Printing a Paper Boarding Pass

It may be tempting to use your phone’s digital wallet or your airline’s app to present your boarding pass to security. It is potentially a bit less convenient to use a paper boarding pass, but the advantage is that you never have to hand your phone over to TSA or to airline personnel. If possible, print your boarding pass at home. Airline counter staff can also print boarding documents once you present your ID.

Set Your Devices to Automatically Lock

Your devices should be configured to lock automatically when not in use.

Turn Off Your Phone

Consider turning off your phone and stowing it in your carry-on. It will be safe to power it back on and enter your passcode once you have cleared security. A phone that is powered on, especially when facial recognition or fingerprint access is enabled, poses a security risk. It is possible for a phone not in your possession to be unlocked by holding it up in front of your face or by getting you to touch the phone against your will.

If you do not feel comfortable powering your smart phone down, it is possible to temporarily disable fingerprint or Face ID on an iPhone. This is most easily done by holding down the volume up, volume down, and Power buttons for several seconds. This will bring up an emergency screen which requires you to enter your passcode in order to get back into the phone.

Using an Android device, the same can be accomplished by holding down the volume up and power buttons to bring up the Power menu. From here, select the Lockdown button. This will disable any biometric unlock options until you enter your PIN/pattern.

Consider Wiping Your Phone or Traveling with a Different Device

Our phones contain troves of data. Consider traveling with a wiped device that does not contain all of your personal data. This is especially recommended if you are traveling internationally.

The Blindness Advantage: More Ways to Secure Your Phone

When traveling to convention, consider storing your phone in your backpack or carry-on suitcase. This ensures that you don’t accidentally leave it behind at security, and keeps your phone out of curious hands. If you do not know them, learn shortcuts for turning on your screen reader and magnifier. Consider turning on the screen curtain feature. With your screen reader on, you can also turn the volume down to zero. These measures make it more difficult for anyone to access your data.

This Wired article goes into more detail regarding how to secure your data.

Know Your Rights: Airport Security

The right to travel freely is a fundamental human right, yet travelers across the country continue to express concerns about the intrusive security screening procedures used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). These procedures can be invasive of everyone’s privacy and are of particular concern to transgender people because of their potential to “out” people in unsafe ways, potentially leading to harassment and discrimination. Here are some tips for navigating airport security.

You have the right to carry medical necessities through security. Medical equipment and prosthetics will be allowed through the checkpoint after completing the screening process, but some travelers may feel more comfortable putting these things in checked baggage. Gel-filled prosthetic items such as breast forms are not included in the three-ounce liquid limit for carry-ons, as they are considered medically necessary, but their presence in your carry-on luggage may result in extra screening. If possible, consider packing items containing liquid, gel, or powder in your checked luggage. Any medications and supplies, such as syringes should be placed in a separate bag in your carry-on luggage. All travelers may ask any TSA official for private screening if their bags need to be opened. If you are carrying medically prescribed items that you cannot pack in checked baggage, such as syringes, dilators, or packers, it is very helpful to have proof of the medical necessity of the item(s). Ask your doctor for a letter stating that he or she has prescribed the item or if possible, keep medical devices in any pharmacy packaging that includes a prescription label. Be prepared to briefly explain the purpose of the item if asked.

Travelers with questions about medical equipment, prostheses, or other assistive devices or about medical privacy can call the TSA Cares hotline in advance of their trip on 1-855-787-2227 to speak with a trained representative. For other advance travel questions, you can call TSA’s Contact Center at 1-866-289-9673, or ask a question via @AskTSA on Facebook.

You have the right to wear what you wish. Certain types of clothing, shoes, binding materials, prostheses, or jewelry may cause you to receive additional screening. Airport metal detectors are extremely sensitive and may be set off by piercing jewelry, underwire or metal boning in clothing, and many shoes. Wigs or hairpieces do not usually require additional screening, but this may be required if they are considered ”bulky” or “not form-fitting.” If you have gone through a metal detector or body scanner and TSA personnel want to do additional screening of a wig or hairpiece, you may request that a pat-down be limited to your hairpiece or that you be permitted to pat the area down yourself and have your hands swiped for chemical residue.

You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect during security screenings. All travelers have the right to be treated with dignity, discretion and respect. If you encounter any issues, politely ask to speak to a supervisor immediately. Never raise your voice or threaten TSA staff. TSA Travel Document Checkers will check as you enter security to ensure that the name on your ID matches your boarding pass. It does not matter whether your current gender presentation matches the gender marker on your ID or your presentation in your ID photo, and TSA officers should not comment on this.

You have the right to request a pat-down. Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) is TSA’s term for devices it uses to scan the contours of the human body to look for things under a person’s clothing that might be dangerous items. All TSA scanners are now equipped with software called Automatic Target Recognition (ATR). ATR analyzes the scan image of the body and displays an outline of a generic person with the location of anything the software identifies as an “anomaly” or “alarm” that TSA agents need to look at more closely. With ATR, according to the TSA, images of a traveler’s actual body are never viewed by humans. TSA will not disclose details of how ATR detects anomalies, however in some cases, ATR software can register body contours not typical for a person’s gender as anomalies. Foreign objects such as prosthetics, binding garments, or even paper or change left in a pocket will commonly register as anomalies requiring further screening. Often this consists of a limited pat-down of the area(s) where an anomaly was detected, however it can potentially involve a complete pat-down. You may opt out of AIT scans at any time, but if you do opt out of AIT screening, you will be required to undergo a thorough pat-down. At checkpoints using body scanners, a pat-down is the only alternative to being scanned. A pat-down may also be required if an anomaly is identified by the machine, if your clothing is very loose, or on a random basis. TSA pat-downs can be very invasive.

You have the right to a pat-down by someone of the same gender. If you choose a pat-down to avoid the AIT machines or if the TSA agents require one for another reason, the pat-down must be performed by an officer of the same gender as the traveler. This is based on your gender presentation. Transgender women should be searched by female officers, and transgender men should be searched by male officers. The gender listed on your identification documents and boarding passes should not matter for pat-downs, and you should not be subjected to personal questions about your gender. If TSA officers are unsure who should pat you down, they should ask you discreetly and respectfully. If you encounter any problem, ask to speak to a supervisor and clearly and calmly state how you should be treated.

You have the right to a private screening. Travelers may ask for a private screening at any time. You may take a witness of your choosing with you when you are being privately screened. Just like with AIT machines, objects under clothing during pat-downs, such as binders or prosthetic devices, may lead to additional questioning and screening. While this can of course be very uncomfortable for trans people, it is often best to explain in a straightforward manner what the item detected during screening is. Be prepared to give a brief description of what these objects are so that you can minimize additional screening and avoid delays. Travelers should never be required to lift, remove, or raise an article of clothing to reveal a prosthetic item and should not be asked to remove it. This applies to binding items, breast forms, and other prosthetics. If a TSA officer asks you to reveal a prosthetic item, ask to speak to a supervisor and calmly explain the situation.

If traveling with a guide dog, white cane, or other mobility device, you have the right to request screening via the metal detector. Disabled people traveling with service dogs and mobility devices have the right to request to walk through the metal detector instead of using the advanced imaging machine.

For more information about navigating airport security and filing a complaint if necessary, check out this guide from Advocates for Trans Equality.

Know Your Legal Rights

If you are a U.S. Citizen, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you. In general, you do not have to talk to law enforcement officers (or anyone else), even if you do not feel free to walk away from the officer, you are arrested, or you are in jail. In some states, you must provide your name to law enforcement if asked, and drivers must provide license, registration and insurance. However, you are not required to answer other questions. It is a good idea to talk to a lawyer before agreeing to answer questions. In general, only a judge can order you to answer questions. If you are a non-citizen, see the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights guidance here.

If you are a citizen, you have the constitutional right to talk to a lawyer before answering questions, whether or not the police tell you about that right. The lawyer’s job is to protect your rights. Once you say that you want to talk to a lawyer, officers should stop asking you questions. If they continue to ask questions, you still have the right to remain silent. If you do not have a lawyer, you may still tell the officer you want to speak to one before answering questions. If you do have a lawyer, keep his or her business card with you. Show it to the officer and ask to call your lawyer. Remember to get the name, agency and telephone number of any law enforcement officer if possible.

If you are an immigrant, you have the right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with police, immigration agents, or other officials. Anything you tell an officer can later be used against you in immigration court. If you are not a U.S. citizen and an immigration agent requests your immigration papers, you must show them if you have them with you. If an immigration agent asks if they can search you, you have the right to say no. Agents do not have the right to search you or your belongings without your consent or probable cause. If you’re over 18, carry your papers with you at all times. If you don’t have them, tell the officer that you want to remain silent, or that you want to consult a lawyer before answering any questions.

If a law enforcement officer threatens to get a subpoena, you still do not have to answer the officer’s questions right then and there, and anything you say can be used against you. The officer may or may not succeed in getting the subpoena. If you receive a subpoena or an officer threatens to get one for you, you should call a lawyer right away. If you are given a subpoena, you must follow the subpoena’s direction about when and where to report to the court, but you can still assert your right not to say anything that could be used against you in a criminal case.

For more information about your rights, please visit the American Civil Liberties Union’s Know Your Rights page.

Conclusion

We hope the above guidance has been helpful in your decision-making. Whether or not you choose to travel to a convention this summer, we hope this information has helped you understand your rights and evaluate your risk. We offer it to you with love and understanding of these challenging travel conditions. If you have nonlegal questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at advocacy@blindlgbtpride.org.

Resources

988 Hotline: Mental health support

ACLU of Louisiana: 504-522-0628 (Civil rights legal support)

ACLU of Texas

Equality Louisiana: info@equalitylouisiana.org (Statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy)

Human Rights Campaign

Lamda Legal

LouisianaLawHelp.org

New Orleans LGBTQ+ Community Center: 504-517-0321 (Local support and resources)

New Orleans Pride Center

Trans Lifeline : 877-565-8860 (Confidential peer support by and for trans people)

Texas Bar Lawyer Referral Service (click on “find a lawyer”) or call 1-877-9TEXBAR (toll free)

Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid or call (833) 329-8752 

Texas Access to Justice Commission (click on “find legal assistance”) or call (800) 204-2222 ext. 2155

Texas Law Help

Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project or call (866) 301-3901

The Trevor Project: 866-488-7386 (Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth)

Citations

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Louisiana House Bill 648 (Act No. 466): https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1331071

Louisiana House Bill 466: https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1330945

New Orleans Code of Ordinances, Chapter 86: https://library.municode.com/la/new_orleans/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH86HURE

Texas Senate Bill 14: https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/billtext/pdf/SB00014F.pdf

Texas DPS Policy on Gender Marker Changes: https://www.aclutx.org/sites/default/files/dps_id-policy_factsheet_twopager.pdf

Dallas City Code, Chapter 46: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/dallas/latest/dallas_tx/0-0-0-122572

Appendix A: Summary of Executive Orders and Analysis of Risk by State

The wave of executive orders targeting transgender Americans has reshaped the national landscape in chilling fashion. These directives have forced nonprofits to scrub the word “transgender” from their websites, stripped transgender history from the Stonewall National Monument, withdrawn federal funding from schools and hospitals that recognize or research transgender people, and imposed new barriers to obtaining passports and legal documents, making it hard to travel abroad. The result is a sweeping, nationwide rollback of rights and recognition for transgender adults. For international visitors, the risk is even more severe: citing the sharp escalation in legal and bureaucratic targeting, several countries have issued travel advisories. Marco Rubio’s cables targeting trans adult visa seekers with potentially permanent bans on entry is alarming. Erin Reed, a journalist who tracks anti-LGBTQ+ legislation has designated the United States a “Do Not Travel” zone for non-essential travel for transgender people without a full understanding of the legal environment, due to the heightened risk of visa revocation, denial of entry, or detention.

We cannot always travel directly to our final destination, and we may need to travel through other states. As such, here is a list of categories and where each state falls:

Do Not Travel (FL, TX): Two states have earned “Do Not Travel” advisories: Florida and Texas. Florida has a law that allows for the arrest of transgender people for using bathrooms according to their gender identity and another policy targets transgender people’s drivers licenses. Florida has also put into effect a policy that says trans people “misrepresenting” their gender on their drivers license could be guilty of fraud. Local LGBTQ+ orgs as well as HRC have issued travel advisories for the state. In Texas, the state is not only ignoring court ordered drivers license changes for trans adults, but it is also creating a database of people attempting to make such changes. Meanwhile, Odessa, TX has passed a bounty ordinance that puts $10,000 bounties on transgender people in bathrooms, with more legislation expected this year.
The Worst States (AL, IA, ID, KS, LA, MS, MT, OH, OK, ND, SD, TN, UT, WV, WY): These states have passed deeply troubling legislation targeting transgender adults in extremely harmful new ways. Kansas and Utah have bathroom bans for transgender adults. Alabama has also passed a Don’t Say Gay bill that includes a bathroom ban on college campuses. Many states, including Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, and others listed in this category have gone so far as to legislatively erase transgender people, effectively removing any legal rights associated with their gender identities. Other states, such as Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, prohibit any changes to birth certificates, forcing trans people to out themselves when showing their documents. In Kansas, this law could even force individuals who have updated their driver’s licenses and birth certificates to see their gender markers reverted. Florida has banned 80% of gender-affirming care. Idaho has an extreme ban on state funds for gender affirming care.
High-Risk States (AR, GA, IN, MO, NE, NH, SC): All of these states have passed anti-trans laws, but they haven’t reached the same level of severity as the worst states. Missouri for example, prohibits gender-affirming care for incarcerated adults as well as transgender youth. Nebraska’s governor has issued an executive order ending legal recognition of trans people. Additionally, some of these states, including Arkansas, have laws that permit the refusal of medical care to LGBTQ+ individuals on religious grounds. Although each of these states has laws targeting transgender adults, none have done so to the extent of the worst states.
Moderate-Risk States (AK, KY, NC, VA): These states have either passed one or two laws aimed at transgender adults or have enacted multiple laws targeting transgender youth, or are advancing negative laws quickly. For states focusing on trans youth, history shows they are more likely to introduce anti-trans legislation for adults in subsequent years. Most of these states are under Republican control, either through supermajorities in the legislature or Republican governorships. Many have enacted “Don’t Say Gay” provisions, which frequently result in the banning of transgender teachers. Additionally, many have passed religious refusal rights bills. However, most of these states have either not yet ventured into anti-trans adult legislation or have only passed milder forms of such laws. In Virginia’s case, the state has already seen transgender care to the age of 19 effectively shut down at some clinics, which impacts some trans adults who are 18-19, and the state AG has encouraged compliance with anti-trans executive orders.
Low-Risk States (AZ, DE, MI, NV, PA, WI, DC): These states have largely refrained from targeting transgender adults, although they haven’t taken extraordinary steps to protect adult transgender rights either. For example, Arizona and Virginia have enacted anti-trans policies affecting youth but, due to state-specific factors, appear unlikely to extend such policies to adults. Conversely, Michigan and Nevada have enacted fairly robust non-discrimination policies but fall short in ensuring healthcare equity and providing protections for incarcerated transgender individuals. While these states generally offer a safer environment for transgender adults, they stop short of going the extra mile to make their jurisdictions unequivocally safe places to reside. In the case of the District of Columbia, it may fall under attack from Congress and executive actions, meaning it can no longer be considered “most protective.” This most recently was manifested with the bathroom ban at the United States Capitol.
Most Protective States (CA, CO, CT, HI, IL, MA, MD, ME, MN, NJ, NM, NY, OR, RI, VT, WA): These states have gone above and beyond in safeguarding the rights and well-being of transgender individuals, making them highly desirable places to live for those in search of security. States like Colorado, Hawaii, Maryland, and Washington have enacted comprehensive health insurance laws that cover facial hair removal and an expanded range of medical procedures. Each of these states offers refugee protections for individuals fleeing more repressive states with anti-trans laws. Care is not only supported but also enjoys legal reinforcement from the state, ensuring accessibility as long as such treatments remain lawful at the national level. These states are the most lik ely to counteract federal anti-trans regulations if faced with a Republican presidency.