The Ten Best Countries for Trans People Looking to Defect
Easy as it is to discredit Trump’s foolishness, you risk underestimating his followers. America’s most hateful people believe they found their king. However serious, Trump’s personal opinions about immigrants, veterans, trans people and others will motivate people to act with perceived impunity. January 6 is a perfect example.
RELATED: U.S. Now a Risky Destination By Its Own Standards
As the United States descends into oligarchic fascism, more and more of Trump’s objectors are considering defecting. I know I am. Much like others on the margins of society, trans people are finding existence in Trump’s America increasingly difficult. Life is rapidly becoming a dangerous situation. If you’re at risk, it may be time to leave—while you still can.
The Ten Best Countries for Trans People Choosing To Relocate
Gender-affirming prosthetics company Emisil conducted a study analyzing over thirty countries ideal for trans people relocating from America. Emisil controlled for safety, equality, affordability, healthcare, and income. Key factors include trans rights support, healthcare access and overall trans-friendliness. Finally, the study adjusted for income and cost of living. Countries that rated highest provide the most optimal combination of criteria.
Remember, studies are not absolute. Their metrics don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. One’s needs and preferences can prioritize one country over the other. For instance, Iceland offers the best healthcare with a health index score of 89. Norway boasts the highest income, reporting an average salary of $102k. Spain is most affordable with a cost of living index of 35.6. That said, if you’re in a position to relocate internationally, you’re already ahead of your other queer peers.
1. The Netherlands
Coming in first is the Netherlands, a reputably safe country for trans people wishing to relocate from America. The Netherlands offers access to gender-affirming healthcare and a lower cost of living. When evaluated for its capacity to support a LBGTQ+ population, this country ranks at an honorable 78 out of 100. Emisil’s composite rating of 98.5 reflects the Netherlands’ trans-friendly disposition, along with equal access to gender-affirming healthcare.
2. Iceland
Iceland takes the silver with a composite equality score of 95.8. Like most of the countries listed in the study, relocation to Iceland requires a work permit or self-employment visa. The best thing is, this country offers the strongest healthcare and equality protections on this list. However, the cost of living in Iceland is quite high (62), second only to Switzerland (74.9).
3. Switzerland
Taking third place is Switzerland with a total score of 93.8. Like the Netherlands, this Germanic country affords strong healthcare. But the average income here is higher than in Iceland or the Netherlands, offsetting one’s living expenses, although not much. Switzerland leads as the most expensive country on the list, with a cost of living index of 74.9.
4. Norway
At number four, Norway scored an 88.9. This country wins in terms of highest salary, boasting a $102k average. Norway ranks high on the LGBTQ+ quality-of-life index (87) and remains one of the more affordable options for newcomers. Cost-of-living in Norway is comparable to Denmark and Luxembourg, and less than that of Iceland and Switzerland.
5. Denmark
Holding fast against the rising North Sea, Denmark is a safe bet for trans people relocating from America. Denmark has a safety score similar to landlocked Switzerland. Average yearly income is respectable at $73k, more than the Netherlands ($60k), which scored #1 in the study. Overall, Denmark scored well at 87.5, a strong B+.
6. Luxembourg
Squeezed between France and Germany, the little nation of Luxembourg with its eponymous capital city takes sixth place. Its efficient, accessible healthcare system earns it an index rate of 74. Cost-of-living is comparable to Norway, placing it among Denmark and Luxembourg in terms of affordability. If you’re thinking of relocating to Luxembourg, great news: the average salary there is $88k.
7. Spain
The sunniest country in the study, Spain got a comprehensive score of 74.6. But don’t let it fool you. Surprisingly, Spain is the most affordable country on the list. Cost-of-living only comes in at 35.6 there—over two times cheaper than in Switzerland. Spain ranks third in anti-discrimination policies overall, sheltering LGBTQ+ people from workplace harassment.
8. Ireland
In Ireland, the saying goes, “Either you’re a good c***, or a bad c***. Now, which one are you?” Abrasive though it may be (indeed, it holds eighth place, scoring 69.7), Ireland is surprisingly welcoming. Like Spain, Ireland offers good healthcare and equality while also providing strong salaries. The average salary in Ireland is $80k, and the cost of living has an index of 53.9.
9. Finland
The penultimate country in Emisil’s study, Finland won a comprehensive rating of 68.3. Finland aligns closely with Denmark in safety and equality but is more affordable with an index of 42.4. It also has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, on par with the Netherlands. Northern lights and socialized healthcare, anyone?
10. Austria
Closing out this list is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s homeland Austria with a rating of 67.5. Austria welcomes skilled workers of all genders, offering stable safety protections and average salaries around $55k. The rugged country between Italy and Germany has Switzerland on one side and Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia on another. Did I mention Arnold Schwarzenegger is from there?
Credits and commentary
Emisil took great care to conduct a rigorous study that included data from ten different countries with diverse languages and understandings of what it means to be trans. True, their findings will help trans people, albeit a miniscule percentage. Emisil’s study assumes you can afford to move across the Atlantic Ocean. It figures you can speak the language of your chosen destination, or that you’ll pick it up at least. Lastly, it expects you’ll be comfortable in a country populated mainly by white people. That’s why studies, informative as they are, are not absolute and should not be thought of as such.
Industry Specialist Agata Pajor of Emisil had this to say about the study:
“Transgender migration patterns reveal a difficult choice where many individuals must choose between their national identity and fundamental safety. While nations offering stronger transgender protections see increasing migration applications, these relocations often create significant psychological costs alongside financial ones. The emergence of international trans support networks spanning continents has become crucial, connecting immigrants with housing, employment, and community resources that formal immigration systems can fail to provide.”
Howdy! My name is Katy Atchison and I'm an Associate Editor for Broke-Ass Stuart.
I want to take the time to say thank you for supporting independent news media by reading BrokeAssstuart.com. Supporting independent news sources like Broke-Ass Stuart is vital to supporting our community because it amplifies the voices of a wide variety of diverse opinions. You also help support small businesses and local artists by sharing stories from Broke-Ass Stuart.
Because you're one of our supporters, I wanted to send over a pro-tip.
Our bi-weekly newsletter is a great way to get round ups of Broke-Ass Stuart stories, learn about new businesses in The Bay Area, find out about fun local events and be first in line for giveaways.
If you’d like to get our newsletter, signup right here, it takes 5 seconds.
You Might Also Like
