Transgender individuals have long faced discrimination and marginalization in society, but the situation has become particularly dire in Florida due to the state’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws. These laws have made it difficult for trans people to access healthcare, employment, and housing, leaving many with no choice but to leave the state. However, leaving is not always easy, as it requires significant financial resources. That’s where crowdfunding comes in.
Crowdfunding is a way for individuals to raise money from a large number of people, typically through online platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as a way for people to fund everything from creative projects to medical expenses. For trans people in Florida, crowdfunding has become a lifeline for those who need to leave the state to find safety and security.
One of the main reasons trans people are leaving Florida is because of the state’s healthcare policies. In 2015, Florida became one of the first states to ban Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming surgery. This means that trans people who rely on Medicaid for their healthcare cannot access the surgeries they need to transition. Additionally, many private insurance plans in Florida also exclude coverage for gender-affirming care. As a result, trans people often have to pay out of pocket for their medical expenses, which can be prohibitively expensive.
Crowdfunding has become a way for trans people to raise money for their medical expenses and other costs associated with leaving Florida. For example, some trans people have used crowdfunding to pay for gender-affirming surgeries that they cannot get covered by insurance. Others have used it to pay for travel expenses or rent in a new city where they can access better healthcare and more supportive communities.
In addition to healthcare, trans people in Florida also face discrimination in employment and housing. Florida is one of 28 states that does not have any statewide protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This means that trans people can be fired from their jobs or denied housing simply because of their gender identity. Crowdfunding has become a way for trans people to raise money to cover the costs of moving to a state with better legal protections.
One example of a trans person who used crowdfunding to leave Florida is Kai, a 25-year-old trans man. Kai raised over $10,000 on GoFundMe to cover the costs of his top surgery and relocation to California. In an interview with NBC News, Kai said, “I couldn’t afford to stay in Florida and pay for my surgery. I was really scared and didn’t know what to do. But then I found out about crowdfunding, and it was like a light at the end of the tunnel.”
While crowdfunding can be a helpful tool for trans people who need to leave Florida, it is not a sustainable solution to the systemic discrimination they face. Trans people should not have to rely on the generosity of strangers to access basic healthcare and legal protections. Instead, we need comprehensive policies that protect the rights of all LGBTQ+ people, including trans individuals.
In conclusion, crowdfunding has become a crucial resource for trans people in Florida who need to leave the state due to anti-LGBTQ+ laws. It has allowed them to access healthcare, employment, and housing in other states where they can live more safely and securely. However, we must also work towards creating a society where trans people do not have to rely on crowdfunding to access basic human rights.
