Trans Relocation Fund & Aid Network in Portland, Oregon
Trans Relocation Aid: How the Trans Relocation Fund is Helping Trans People Find Safety
When Moving Isnāt Just a ChoiceāItās Survival
For many, relocating to a new city is an exciting opportunity. But for transgender people fleeing anti-trans laws, unsafe housing, or unsupportive families, relocation isnāt just about changeāitās about survival.
Across the U.S., trans people are facing increasing barriers to healthcare, employment, and housing. States like Texas, Florida, and Tennessee have introduced hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ laws, including bans on gender-affirming care, restrictions on trans participation in public life, and even legal attacks on supportive parents.
When safety is at risk, trans people move to find community, healthcare, and stability. But moving is expensive. It requires resources, safe connections, and supportāthings that too many trans folks donāt have.
Thatās why the Trans Relocation Fund & Aid Network (PDX TRAIN) exists. We provide direct aid to trans people relocating to Portland, offering travel assistance, safe housing connections, and emergency resources. Our mission isnāt just to move peopleāweāre here to make sure they land safely with the care and community they need.
āSweeet, thanks so much! You donāt know how happy it made me to see your post yesterday and then go through all the resources. Moving to Portland has been on my mind for the last 6 months and it made me so happy to see that there were resources and other QT people like me. I legit cried. So thank you!ā
ā Alie, recipient of the Trans Relocation Aid Network
Why Are So Many Trans People Being Forced to Move?
1. Anti-Trans Laws Are Creating Hostile Living Conditions
Trans people across the U.S. are experiencing legal and social discrimination at alarming rates:
- More than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in 2023 alone.
- 23 states have banned or restricted gender-affirming care for trans youth.
- Trans adults are losing access to healthcare through Medicaid bans in multiple states.
- Some states are attempting to criminalize trans existence, threatening parents, doctors, and even supportive communities.
These laws donāt just make life harder for trans peopleāthey make it dangerous. Without access to healthcare, legal protections, or basic safety, many trans individuals are forced to leave their homes behind.
2. Economic Barriers Keep Trans People in Crisis
Even outside of legal threats, trans people face economic instability at disproportionate rates:
- 1 in 3 trans adults have experienced homelessness.
- 29% of trans people live in povertyādouble the rate of the general population.
- Trans workers face double the unemployment rate of their cisgender peers.
Without financial stability, moving to a safer state becomes nearly impossible. Thatās where mutual aid networks like PDX TRAIN step ināoffering direct financial assistance to get trans people to safety.
3. Housing Discrimination Limits Safe Relocation Options
Even when trans people can afford to move, they face discrimination in housing and employment. Studies show:
- 19% of trans people have been denied housing because of their gender identity.
- More than 50% of trans renters report experiencing housing discrimination.
- Landlords and employers in many states can still legally discriminate against LGBTQ+ people.
Relocating is one thing. Finding safe and stable housing is another challenge entirely. Thatās why PDX TRAINĀ partners with local trans-friendly housing providers to help people find not just a place to stayābut a place to call home.
How the Trans Relocation Fund is Helping
At PDX TRAIN, we focus on direct action, immediate relief, and long-term safety.
What We Provide
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Emergency Travel Assistance ā Bus, train, or flight support for trans folks in crisis.
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Safe Housing Connections ā Temporary stays with vetted community hosts.
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Emergency Funds for Essentials ā Food, supplies, and basic needs.
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Referrals to Critical Resources ā Healthcare, legal support, and employment connections.
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Community Integration ā Helping trans people find networks, jobs, and peer support.
How It Works
- A trans person in need submits a request for relocation assistance.
- Our team reviews the case and determines the best support options.
- We fundraise, coordinate travel, and secure housing with trusted partners.
- The individual arrives in Portland with connections to local resources & care.
āWeāre not just handing people a bus ticket and hoping for the best.
We make sure they have a plan, a place to land, and the support they need.ā
Equi Center: Our Primary Partner in Trans Care
One of our most vital partners is Equi Center, an organization providing comprehensive care and direct support for trans people in Portland.
While we focus on getting people to safety, Equi Center provides healthcare, housing resources, and advocacy. Theyāre doing the deep workāwe just help folks get to them when needed.
We also collaborate with other grassroots organizations and local mutual aid groups, ensuring that no one falls through the cracks.
How You Can Help
PDX TRAIN is 100% community-funded. That means every dollar raised goes directly to trans people in need.
1. Donate to the Trans Relocation Fund
Your contribution can fund a bus ticket, cover housing costs, or provide emergency aid.
š $10 covers a meal š
š $50 funds a bus ticket š
š $100+ supports temporary housing š”
š Donate Now ā because no trans person should navigate relocation alone.
2. Volunteer to Help Trans Folks Relocate
š Offer temporary housing to a trans person in need.
š Provide rideshares or transportation for those arriving in Portland.
š Donate supplies like clothes, toiletries, and food.
š Help with fundraising and outreach.
š Sign Up to Volunteer ā every act of care helps a trans person thrive.
3. Spread the Word & Advocate for Trans Safety
- Share this article on social media, in community spaces, and with trans-supportive networks.
- Advocate for local and national trans protections.
- Partner with us! If you run a queer-friendly business or org, weād love to collaborate.
Why Portland? A Safe Haven for Trans People
Portland has long been a hub for LGBTQ+ activism, mutual aid, and trans community spaces. Itās not perfectāhousing is expensive, and trans folks still face barriersābut itās one of the best places in the U.S. to build a life as an openly trans person.
Thatās why we work so hard to bring trans people here safelyābecause when we invest in trans futures, we create a stronger, safer community for everyone.
Trans Futures Are Worth Fighting For
For too many trans people, moving isnāt just a choiceāitās a matter of life and death. The Trans Relocation Fund exists to make sure no one is left behind.
š Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Be part of the movement that keeps trans people safe.
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