My Parents want me to move to a more LGBT friendly place

[Dawn B.]

I'm MTF and I have recently been having trouble at school with people and teasing. My parents want me to move to some place like California or Colorado.
I'm sure if I should do it. I'm 17 and starting collage soon. They want places with lower discrimination. Right now I live in Missouri. Can some one please help? I would really appreciate it.

[FTMax]

It would probably be a smart move in a lot of ways. College is one of those times in life that people expect you to get up and move. Why not use it as an excuse to get to a place that has a more trans friendly climate?

California, Oregon, Washington, New York, Massachusetts, and DC would all be my recommendations. They've all got some excellent precedents as far as legal recognition, protection, and insurance coverage.

[ThePhoenix]

It would probably be a smart move in a lot of ways. College is one of those times in life that people expect you to get up and move. Why not use it as an excuse to get to a place that has a more trans friendly climate?

California, Oregon, Washington, New York, Massachusetts, and DC would all be my recommendations. They've all got some excellent precedents as far as legal recognition, protection, and insurance coverage.

I would avoid avoid D.C.  It seems to be a pretty good place if you are LGB.  For T, we have some of the best laws on the books and some of the worst enforcement of those laws.  The discrimination rates against trans* people in D.C. rank among the worst. Like the 50% unemployment rate, for example. 

[FTMax]

I would avoid avoid D.C.  It seems to be a pretty good place if you are LGB.  For T, we have some of the best laws on the books and some of the worst enforcement of those laws.  The discrimination rates against trans* people in D.C. rank among the worst. Like the 50% unemployment rate, for example.

Are you specifically talking about DC or the surrounding metropolitan area? I live in northern VA and work in DC. No issues.

[ThePhoenix]

Are you specifically talking about DC or the surrounding metropolitan area? I live in northern VA and work in DC. No issues.

I'm specifically talking about D.C.  No useful statistics exist for the metro areas as a whole.  Stats exist for Maryland and Virginia, for example, but they are statewide, so there's no way to separate out the metro area as a whole. 

But I am very glad you have no issues.  I've had 2.5 years of unemployment and even had potential employers accuse me of being a criminal for being trans*. 

[ThePhoenix]

Wow.  Very sad/tragic, albeit fascinating post.

Whitman-Walker Health was interested in me for a lawyer position doing anti discrimination law because of the fact that I have done some things like litigate under the existing laws and help writing some of them.  Then I mentioned being trans*.  I don't usually do that, but they are an LGBT org, so I figured it probably would not hurt me.  They then turned around and told me they needed someone "more familiar" with the anti-discrimination law and I had the "wrong background" for the position. 

I hope they found someone more familiar with the laws that one of the law's authors.  And I am surprised that they would even spend time contacting a candidate who doesn't have the right background for the job.

It's quite amazing what employers will say to avoid hiring a trans* person.  And it is very rampant in D.C.  Not much is being done about it. 

The lack of effort looks likely to change . . . But for now I'd avoid the area. 

[SunKat]

Hi Dawn

If you have the option you should definitely move some place more T friendly.  I have to say though... even in California and Colorado you'll find cities where  you won't feel welcome.  Denver and the Bay Area can be nice, but the suburbs and the surrounding rural communities can still be fairly backwards and unaccepting.  You want to not just pick a socially progressive state, you want to find a accepting city or community in that state.
I'd recommend looking at Portland,OR; Seattle, WA; Denver, CO. They are all places with nice communities and available services.
I'm sure others can make additional recommendations for you.

Go and find your happy place.

[arimoose]

What about all the great work that's been done in Philadelphia? Anyone with any experience there?

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[Esyllia]

I'm guessing your insurance covers HRT but just in case you want to change coverage in college make sure the college you look at has that in their health insurance plan. And look to see what LGBT groups are available there too! For me it really helped my form my finalized list of colleges I applied to
From what I hear college can be a very good environment for the LGBT community. Remember that as you move forward Things aren't the best now but I'm sure it'll get better.
Good luck!

[Wynternight]

I've heard from posters here living in Philly that it's a very trans-friendly city.

[Pigleto]

Which ever state you move to look up LGBT Centers. They can usually provide housing and support in many ways. They are located in many places.. Search and find.. Los Angeles has one. NYC.. I believe Phillie.. Centers, search these keywords. LGBT Center.. Enter the city or state after.. Pow!

[ainsley]

Don't give up on Missouri just yet.
http://trans.missouri.edu/
I live in middle MO (translation TG h8rs central) but Columbia is a good place for transgender life.
I have found therapists, doctors and surgeons (except SRS surgeons) in this area:
http://www.transgenderhealthnetwork.org/resources.html
http://www.transgenderhealthnetwork.org/trans-friendly-health-provider-list.html

Give Missouri a chance.

-Ainsley