Trans Americans Are Turning to TikTok to Crowdfund Their Relocations
WiredThe day after the 2024 US presidential election, Iris, a Black trans woman living in Texas, laid in bed and cried. If I stay in the state now that ’s going to be president, I will die here.” On November 13, Iris posted a two-minute video to TikTok with a link to a fundraising platform to help her cover moving costs. “I feel like my life has just started and I can’t let it end before I get to do anything.” She asked for support, whether it was donations to relocate to another state, or something as small as a comment. Iris is one of countless transgender Americans who—already grappling with draconian laws and bills that seek to cut off their access to health care and prevent them from using public bathrooms corresponding to their genders, on top of rising hateful rhetoric in conservative states—are scrambling to move as Trump prepares to take office for a second term. “It sucks every time you're reminded that this country doesn't want that for you.” Shortly after Iris posted her initial TikTok, she’d raised more than $34,000, overshooting her $10,000 goal by a wide margin.
Discover Related
)
