ok, so this question because I remember trying to find t friendly areas to live before I moved out.
Anyways I decided to choose Lansing, MI USA. I chose it because it was a good distance away(2 hours) from where I used to live, meaning I could start over with a blank state and still come back to visit my family if my relationship with them worked out.
Lansing is trans- friendly legally meaning lansing protects you from discrimination in the work place. People seem pretty liberal, so that is good. there are a lot of queer groups associated with Michigan state university which is in east lansing ( different city actually but 4 miles from my house). There are also multiple support groups....
I don't pass in person so if I go out dressed up I always get stares, but I have never been called a ->-bleeped-<- or a freak or neither have I been miss treated. There is a pretty strong queer community here, but no community center unfortunately....
so overall I think Lansing is a decent place for trans people, but if you were planning on moving to Michigan. I would recommend Ferndale. it is very trans friendly.
I think this is an important topic, because many people are not comfortable transitioning in there hometown
I live in Melbourne Australia and never hear of any real issues for trans people, that doesn't mean there is or isn't issues.
I see trans people out on the streets living and going about their daily lives, never hear really bad comments, but do see some laughing, never hear of any retail stores stopping or asking trans people to leave.
I never had an issue, but I'm very stealth, some of the dumb laws do need changing, but they are I think.
thanks for sharing!
I live in Oklahoma. The city I live in has a touch of rustic to its overall modern feel. It was more of a ranch town that boomed with industrialization so it's got that quaint feeling without being too much of a "boondocks". Anyway, we have a very large "out" population of gay/lesbian people (we even have a "gay district") but the trans community is nonexistent or very underground. We mostly get tacked onto gay/lesbian groups when being talked about. At one point, there were a couple support groups but they seem to be defunct now. I will probably have to really search to find other trans* people which sucks and is really unappealling to have to "out " myself just to find other trans* people.
DW and I wish to move to a more trans-friendly place in the future.
I live in Manhattan Kansas, United States, about 45 minutes from Topeka.
I'm not even out publicly yet, just to family, friends, and a hand full of acquaintances. I've started HRT and been on it for about a month. I've been growing my hair for about a year and a half to two years now, and while I need more laser hair removal, I've had 4 rounds of it and that has considerably lessened my facial hair. I don't dress as a woman, nor do I use my voice or wear any makeup (not even clear nail polish) in public. I wear male clothing (...I currently only own one dress). Those acquaintances who are unaware of my in progress transition have said absolutely nothing to me, noticing no changes what so ever. For the moment I still present as masculine.
I walk to school, which is about 2 blocks away, every day and get insulted by random passing motorists on average 4 times a day. Many people (Shop keepers, waitresses, etc) switch pronouns back and forth while talking to me, or express (usually politely) confusion about my gender. Others are as rude as they can be without crossing the line since they're at work. Some people stare quite openly, but usually the reactions I get up close are from people I'm interacting with directly. No one has reacted violently yet, though I try to make sure no one is following me home and I triple check that the door is locked every night. I'm honestly becoming more and more uneasy about going out in public, and only do so when necessary.
... I would not recommend it here. I intend to leave as soon as I graduate college for either Portland Oregon, or Orlando Florida. Both cities have equal rights laws for employment and housing, and I know that Oregon is very liberal politically.
I live in New Brunswick, Canada. It's friendly towards trans people in the sense that I haven't encountered much of a problem aside from people not thinking I'm a "real man" and the fact that NB is one of the last two provinces that don't offer coverage for trans health care. On the other hand, I've heard stories from a trans woman about being assaulted and I have a non-binary friend who had trouble getting on hormones because they're not "feminine enough."
I live just outside of the NYC metro area in NJ. So pretty much yes the entire area is trans friendly however where I live may not be.
I live in Virginia Beach, Virginia and no it is not friendly. I'll have to travel to Richmond to get HRT, there is one LGBOT center int he area but not a lot of trans people that I've seen there. Have seen a few in stores and local shops and no one seem to pay much attention to them as far as I can tell.
I live in central Maryland. It is an extremely trans friendly place. I know many non-passing trans women who say they pretty much never encounter problems. I teach openly in a public school as my female self after having taught there for 12 years as a male. No parent, student, or member of the community has complained. We have a very strong state anti-discrimination law covering gender identity and gender expression.
Denver, Colorado.
We have a very active LGBT community and several places for groups. I don't attend any like minded functions, but present female almost always when not at work. Always the close minded douche can be found but I've had no real issues.
Pansy
I live in the smallest state, Hobart Tasmania (yes Hobart it's a real place ho-bart lol) it's pretty good unless your in bridgewater, gagebrook or clarintonvale but we do have quite a few bogans in Tasmania everyone else pretty cool, like I've told quite a few people I don't really know that well that I'm trans but no one seems to mind.
Fun fact Tasmania was called van demon's land way back, because the British settlers turned it into a prison island :-\ actually I guess it isn't a fun fact :laugh: lol
Los Angeles here. It depends on the neighborhood. My neighborhood (Studio City) is pretty affluent and LGBT friendly. I've had very few problems here. Same goes for West Hollywood. They don't bat an eye when they see a transwoman (or even a topless transwoman- I've seen it happen). When you get to the seedier parts of town, several transwomen are killed or brutally beaten every year. I mean, some parts of town I would have never gone to at night anyway, some not even in broad daylight. What really scared the crap out of me was a transwoman last year being beaten within inches of her life by four drunken men at Hollywood and Vine. I go there all the time.
In Boston, one of the more liberal cities in the country, maybe world, and I'd say it's probably just OK. Lots of groups, health services etc., so in that way yeah, but in terms of everyday life being in the public, it probably isn't much better than a lot of major cities. I mean, of course there are some areas of the US and world at large that are far worse, BUT, I sort of feel like Boston's rep as a super progressive, liberal city is overrated. Lot of educated, well-to-do people around, but there's also a lot of jock types or wanna-be tough guys too.
Rural Mississippi. 'Nuff said.
I'm moving to san Francisco though, I'm quite sure it will be much better.
I live in Ireland and people here have no clue about transgender issues. There are no support services, no gender qualified therapists and if we are mentioned, it is usually part of a comedy sketch. Its not that people are anti transgender but they just are not trans aware. You need to go to the UK to find a therapist.
A few weeks ago a trans lady won a 20 year court battle to have her birth certificated changed. Thats how far behind we are. There are few trans people in my city.
Quote from: ErinS on November 26, 2014, 01:15:30 PM
Rural Mississippi. 'Nuff said.
Sorry to hear this.... hope you enjoy san fran when you get there!
Paddle faster, I hear banjos.
Philly here. The city and its laws are very progressive and trans-friendly. In fact, it is a goal of our mayor for Philadelphia to be the most transgender-friendly city in the country. The people, however, are another story.
On a nearly daily basis, I get harassed. Sometimes it's a stupid tourist laughing at me. Sometimes it's a group of macho dudes showing off for each other, usually with a, "what the ->-bleeped-<- is that?" I've had a dumb usher at a concert venue announce quite loudly that I was "a man." I've been circled by a group of adolescents, calling me f----t and t----y, and threatening me. Oh, and I've had a dumb employee at the train station try to keep me out of the bathroom.
Philly's trying, but it has a long way to go.
Quote from: amber roskamp on November 26, 2014, 02:15:48 PM
Sorry to hear this.... hope you enjoy san fran when you get there!
Ha thanks. I've been summering in SF for the past few years and even kept an apartment there for a while, I'm pretty familiar with the area and actually my therapist and endo are there.
I've been fortunate in that my friends and family here in MS has been awesomely supportive(despite being arch conservative) but...yeah. I've never really been at home nor fit in, it's just time to move on. Plus it simplifies having to deal with casual acquaintances that might not be so open minded.
Quote from: ErinS on November 26, 2014, 03:49:32 PM
Plus it simplifies having to deal with casual acquaintances that might not be so open minded.
thats why i moved from the rural part of michigan...
Quote from: MugwortPsychonaut on November 26, 2014, 03:09:46 PM
Philly here. The city and its laws are very progressive and trans-friendly. In fact, it is a goal of our mayor for Philadelphia to be the most transgender-friendly city in the country. The people, however, are another story.
On a nearly daily basis, I get harassed. Sometimes it's a stupid tourist laughing at me. Sometimes it's a group of macho dudes showing off for each other, usually with a, "what the <not allowed> is that?" I've had a dumb usher at a concert venue announce quite loudly that I was "a man." I've been circled by a group of adolescents, calling me f----t and t----y, and threatening me. Oh, and I've had a dumb employee at the train station try to keep me out of the bathroom.
Philly's trying, but it has a long way to go.
Wow!!!! yea im gonna avoid philly.... i have friends in Pittsburg. they are a lesbian couple that used to live with me. they love it there, but i am not sure how trans friendly it is.
The greater Washington, DC area here. I live in northern Virginia and work in DC.
The area is super progressive and accepting. It's a big mixing bowl. No one is really "from" DC, they just end up here. I think that's part of what keeps the area open minded. I've never been harassed or had any negative experiences. I would say I pass the majority of the time though. We have a very good LGBTQ clinic with a staff that's extremely educated on trans issues.
I worked as a police officer in the city for about two years while I worked on grad school, and they have a unit dedicated to responding to crimes against/involving LGBTQ people. There was specific training in the academy that every graduating officer needed to pass regarding interacting with the community. Of course, there are still a lot of cops that equate being trans with being a sex worker ::) But, at least the training and intention to do right by the community is there.
Overall, I like it here. I really want to move someplace where I don't know anyone after I'm further along in my transition, but I wouldn't be opposed to staying here if that plan didn't work out. DC is a good place as long as you can get down with traffic circles and ridiculous rent.
Quote from: ImagineKate on November 26, 2014, 07:22:52 AM
I live just outside of the NYC metro area in NJ. So pretty much yes the entire area is trans friendly however where I live may not be.
Yep, NJ (Northern NJ near NYC, closer than ImagineKate's location to NYC) is very transgender friendly. I've never had an issue. Even though I pass very well, prior to getting my ID changed I was outed several times by plastic and never had an issue. I also consider is friendly on a state level since statewide sexual identity is part of the states anti-discrimination laws for employment, housing and hate crimes.
I'm in Knoxville, TN this week, visiting family. I haven't had any issues but I pass very well (voice and all) despite being 6'7". I was at the grocery store with my wife and sister-in-law and noticed another trans woman who didn't pass as well, but she didn't seem to have any issues. However if she had been 10-20 miles outside the city limits, I think she would have gotten a lot more attention.
My cousin and I were talking about how TN is so backward on LGBT issues in the state government today. Her business partner's granddaughter is trans (and only 7) who's mother is a school teacher and the school system will not consider her female for school activities. Only some private schools will in the area. She is in the process of moving her daughter to a private school.
Tri Cities in Washington isn't exactly trans friendly, but they tend to mind their own business and go about their own lives. So as long as you don't stick out like a sore thumb you are able to live your life as you like. People like their privacy down here and they like giving you yours.
Mariah
Quote from: Mariah2014 on November 27, 2014, 06:47:08 AM
Tri Cities in Washington isn't exactly trans friendly, but they tend to mind their own business and go about their own lives. So as long as you don't stick out like a sore thumb you are able to live your life as you like. People like their privacy down here and they like giving you yours.
Mariah
I have heard good things about Washington. well, I guess Seattle. I heard they are very trans friendly there. and I heard there is a large population of trans people.
I don't know where tri peaks is in relation to that.
Tri Cities is in a very conservative part of the state. We almost elected someone from the Tea party to the House of Representatives. The three cities are in the area where the Yakima, Columbia and Snake Rivers converge. Seattle is very trans friendly.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tri-Cities,_Washington
Mariah
Quote from: amber roskamp on November 27, 2014, 07:00:25 AM
I have heard good things about Washington. well, I guess Seattle. I heard they are very trans friendly there. and I heard there is a large population of trans people.
I don't know where tri peaks is in relation to that.
Philly PA, USA has some very good LGBT locations such as the gayborhood and University City. I go to the gayborhood for Therapy, group and Gym. I can dress in the gayborhood and associated area without a problem. I work in University City and there are a few trans I see while walking at lunch break and it is very cool. As far as neighborhoods, there are some rough neighborhoods stupid people and ignorant people.
It is not safe for a transwoman in all locations in the city.
University City had a few Universities and Hospitals and the Gayborhood has a hospital and they all have LGBT policies and some that I know of pay for proceedures, including where I work.
Quote from: TheQuestion on November 26, 2014, 12:55:17 PM
In Boston, one of the more liberal cities in the country, maybe world, and I'd say it's probably just OK. Lots of groups, health services etc., so in that way yeah, but in terms of everyday life being in the public, it probably isn't much better than a lot of major cities. I mean, of course there are some areas of the US and world at large that are far worse, BUT, I sort of feel like Boston's rep as a super progressive, liberal city is overrated. Lot of educated, well-to-do people around, but there's also a lot of jock types or wanna-be tough guys too.
Boston girl here too! Just starting out, one week HRT. Boston to me is a great place to transition, as far as resources and support... but I may change my tune when I start presenting in public. I live in Allston and use the T to get around everywhere, so I will be pretty visible.
Blackpool's fairly OK,a large gay scene and quite a few M2F but not as many F2M.Police take a hard line on transphobia,most of it's verbal I've never heard of anything worse happening.Generally I'm left alone
I live in the south and it is not transgender friendly unless you pass. If you are trans and pass "like I do" then you rarely have any issues at all or at all. Heaven forbid if you fit the man in a dress stereotype because those poor women get harassed and discriminated with every step they bravely take here.
excuse all typos, my arm is in a big ugly splint :( i live near fort wayne, indiana. the situation is kind of complicated here. there is a strong and supportive lgbt community (yay PFLAG) and also many wonderful allies, but the resources are very limited concerning trans-specific issues like gender therapists, hair removal, and endocrinologists that have experience with transgender patients. unfortuneatly there is still a lot of anti-lgbt sentiment in the region. indiana is sadly one of the worst states in the nation for anti-lgbt bullying in schools and has marriage equality only because of a court order. Even with the lbgt-phobia in the region there a lot of really nice people and plenty more people who can find something to other than nurse an obsessive and all-consuming hatred of lgbt-people. btw, if there any other trans-sisters around here, maybe we can talk?
I'm not saying where I live, but it's a part of the city that's well known for being ground zero for gays, artists, free spirits, counterculture, etc. Not many trans people around as far as I know, I could be wrong though.
Quote from: Christine Eryn on November 29, 2014, 02:09:55 PM
I'm not saying where I live, but it's a part of the city that's well known for being ground zero for gays, artists, free spirits, counterculture, etc. Not many trans people around as far as I know, I could be wrong though.
:( im sorry... Are you working towards getting out of there
From one Michigander to another, heard that Ann Arbor is pretty good as well. I don't live there, have only been there a few times, but know a few people who live there so it seems ok at least.
Quote from: ftmax on November 26, 2014, 04:09:15 PM
The greater Washington, DC area here. I live in northern Virginia and work in DC.
The area is super progressive and accepting. It's a big mixing bowl. No one is really "from" DC, they just end up here. I think that's part of what keeps the area open minded. I've never been harassed or had any negative experiences. I would say I pass the majority of the time though. We have a very good LGBTQ clinic with a staff that's extremely educated on trans issues.
I worked as a police officer in the city for about two years while I worked on grad school, and they have a unit dedicated to responding to crimes against/involving LGBTQ people. There was specific training in the academy that every graduating officer needed to pass regarding interacting with the community. Of course, there are still a lot of cops that equate being trans with being a sex worker ::) But, at least the training and intention to do right by the community is there.
Overall, I like it here. I really want to move someplace where I don't know anyone after I'm further along in my transition, but I wouldn't be opposed to staying here if that plan didn't work out. DC is a good place as long as you can get down with traffic circles and ridiculous rent.
Yeah ! DC rocks... no wonder is the capital of the Empire...LOL
Lansing, MI is less than 2 hours from where I live.It would be a fairly easy trip for me on the weekends and I would even consider moving there if i could find work and if people are open-minded and if there are good enough resources for trans people. Even if Lansing isn't the best I think it would be better than living in the "Mississippi of the North" (Indiana).
I live part of my life in Victoria Australia down on the ocean about 100Kms from Melbourne, but I am in Melbourne a lot and the other part of my life in Sidmouth in East Devon in England.
When I emigrated originally the United Kingdom was not very trans friendly, but thanks to all the gender friendly laws now (even though the UK trusts make it very hard to get on the relevant programs) it is I believe much more trans friendly than some parts of Australia. Where I am on the coast, it is a fairly close community and so even though I am out a lot as Judith, I cannot say its very trans friendly. However Melbourne in general much better. My beauty therapist, electrologist and deportment coach are all in Melbourne as is my favourite dress shop (Dream diva), lingerie store (Simone Perlele) and shoe store. The department stores are pretty much OK and my Endo is in Prahran the gay suburb I also know a very Trans friendly beauty therapist in Adelaide and another in Sydney both of which I use if visiting those cities. In Devon I have a few TS friendly beauty therapists in Exeter, Honiton and Sidmouth and know Padma who lives near Exeter and I have another TS friend who lives in Bournemouth. I also have to travel to the US West Coast (Los Angeles & San Francisco , once to twice a year and have been incredibly lucky to have met Eva Marie, Jill and her wonderful wife Katherine and Breanne all of whom live in Southern California.
Quote from: amber roskamp on November 29, 2014, 02:23:33 PM
:( im sorry... Are you working towards getting out of there
No, just the opposite! I moved here
because it is in fact a safe haven for LGBT within an extremely conservative city. There are tons of gay clubs around here and I think most of them are trans friendly.
Quote from: rachel89 on November 29, 2014, 10:20:06 PM
Lansing, MI is less than 2 hours from where I live.It would be a fairly easy trip for me on the weekends and I would even consider moving there if i could find work and if people are open-minded and if there are good enough resources for trans people. Even if Lansing isn't the best I think it would be better than living in the "Mississippi of the North" (Indiana).
Yea its ok! Ferndale is better. it is a suburb of Detroit and there is a huge lgbtq population. And awesome resources/events, but lansing has some perks to it. the statewide trans activist group I am a part of meets in lansing. and lansing housing is really cheap..... I don't think lansing has the best job market but I found mine 2-3 weeks after moving. send me a message or something if you really are interested.
I'm in southern vt and while vt is supposed to be "progressive", you can't tell from the attitude of the locals. Mississippi is prolly more friendly ;-)
My profile is far too public for direct information posting. As usual I will say St Louis, MO area. My specific area is quite conservative...that's documentable from the city hall sharing a building with a Catholic convent to specific politics. Yet for me and a few other TS women I know, we function just fine in the area. Is it a matter of: are we are so rare here people may not even know who TS people are? I dunno. (One has been on a national network TV documentary on TS living.)
Further, my employer sponsored insurance has covered most care, and I have retained my job.
Moved from Washington DC to San Francisco last summer to being transitioning.
Quote from: ErinS on November 26, 2014, 01:15:30 PM
I'm moving to san Francisco though, I'm quite sure it will be much better.
It is :) (At least compared to DC)
i take back lansing being a decent place to live. Michigan legislature is terrible and created a bill to allow legal discrimination in the work place, allowing businesses to refuse services, and to deny housing if they felt like it was a violation against their religious freedom and it was made specifically for lgbtq people. also there was a hearing for a non-discrimination bill and it received no votes. the first bill i was talking about was modeled after Texas's religious freedom restoration act but i have heard that it is more extreme because it is worded poorly. so i would not recommend Michigan to any lgbt person