In his second term, President Trump’s rhetoric and policies regarding the trans community have become far more menacingVOXby Avishay Artsy and Noel KingOct 21, 2025When President Donald Trump first took office in 2017, it wasn’t self-evident that the transgender community, in particular, had anything to fear.Prior to his presidency, Trump had said largely positive, or at least tolerant, things about LGBTQ+ people. He said he had no problem hiring gay people and supported amending the 1964 Civil Rights Act to explicitly bar discrimination based on sexual orientation. He ended a ban on trans participation in his beauty pageants. He opposed North Carolina’s bathroom bill. He said his friend, transgender reality star Caitlyn Jenner, could use “any bathroom she chooses” at Trump Tower. He portrayed himself as a “friend” to LGBTQ+ people.However, in his first term, he passed several anti-trans measures, including banning transgender people from serving in the military and removing nondiscrimination protections for trans people in health care and health insurance.
I have several friends who have fled south to San Jose, but I'm looking to the north... Halifax.
Trump is generally viewed as the most anti-LGBTQ+ president in history, and a lot of that has to do with his approach to transgender rights. When he first got into office in 2017, there were still some questions about how he was going to approach LGBTQ+ issues, and he made a number of anti-trans moves in his first term. But this time, he really campaigned on anti-trans issues, and he’s made them a staple of his administration.
Some of the resources I found so far...
- Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia (RRANS): This is a grassroots registered non-profit and charity dedicated to advocating for, supporting, and privately sponsoring 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees seeking resettlement in Nova Scotia.
- Halifax Refugee Clinic: This clinic provides legal representation for those claiming refugee status in Nova Scotia. They are a primary resource for asylum seekers in the area.
- Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS): ISANS offers various settlement services for newcomers, including refugees, and partners with groups like RRANS to help 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers.
- Halifax Pride: While they may not be the direct service provider for asylum cases, their website has a "Resources for 2SLGBTQ+ Immigrants" page that lists organizations like RRANS and the Halifax Refugee Clinic.
But for many, fleeing to another country is out of the questions, many trans people are fleeing to Democratic states. Here in Connecticut the Pride centers are helping refuges.
| Organization | Location (Serving Area) | Key Services & Programs |
| Triangle Community Center (TCC) | Norwalk (Fairfield County) | Care Coordination/Case Management: Connects clients to programs and services for housing, health, and other needs. Community Services: Includes a Community Pantry and a Gender Affirming Closet. Groups: Hosts various support groups, including a Triangle Transgender Society. |
| New Haven Pride Center | New Haven (Greater New Haven) | Support & Advocacy: Provides a variety of support services, educational, and social programs. Groups: Hosts affinity spaces, such as a Trans Adult Affinity Space and a Proud Parents support group for parents with LGBTQ+ children. |
| Hartford Collective (HGLHC) | Hartford | Provides medical and dental services, support groups, and health education tailored to the LGBTQ+ community. This is a crucial resource for accessing affirming healthcare. |
When contacting these centers, ask specifically about:
- Case Management/Care Coordination: This service is designed to connect new residents with housing, employment, healthcare providers, and social services.
- Affinity Groups: Look for groups for transgender adults, transgender youth, and parents/caregivers of transgender children.
- Referrals to Healthcare: Connecticut has several medical centers, like Yale Medicine and Middlesex Health, with specialized Gender Health Programs. The pride centers can help with referrals.
Remember, there are many LGBTQ organizations out there and they can help, check with them.
Excellent post. How heartbreaking that people have to flee their own country. But the rage and hate of the fascists runs deep. But for many as we all know fleeing is not an option. For some who fled to the safe state of Ct. it was not at all the promise land even though many tamed LGBT folks and their allies would like us to think that it is. I have to wonder again and again where are the liberal ally churches in this. I know MCC has a program but very little is said about it. Guess it is like the underground railroad and those who know know and those who don't don't. Of course again fleeing is an option for those who can find a job quickly not for the poor, for those who have money in the bank not for those living paycheck to pay check. I am not sure how strong the community in Ct. is or let me say how capable they are of taking in refugees. I have not heard of the state of Connecticut whose liberal leaders say "We love you," have set up any programs welcoming, settling, and making sure that anyone who flees the fascists states are taken care of when they cross the border. Years ago I called for a coordinated effort with the LGBT Chamber, the friendly businesses, the state, the liberal churches, activists and others to form this and work out from there. Starting with the " LEAST OF THESE" who flee and work up from that point. Leaving the poor behind in fascist states to fight the battles is selfish.
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