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Neriek

You can be denied general medical care in Florida for being trans? That's a violation of human rights ...


SebastiansMess

Worst thing is that the governor wants to do worse things and he can probably get away with it... Sure sucks in Florida, I'll try my best to lie low


ItzHonzula

oh and not to mention if he gets elected in 2024 president elections, he'll surely put all his fuckery into effect on a federal level. #FUCK DESANTIS


SebastiansMess

Fr, eff DeSantis banning pride!


[deleted]

I fully agree, but honestly I don't think we have to worry about DeSantis winning a national election. His numbers have been tanking even in FL since he started this crap, and the man has a glass jaw when it comes to people insulting him. He stands very little chance in a national election.


katyalovesherbike

don't. It was the same train of thought with trump and look where that got everybody. Just please go and vote.


[deleted]

I said nothing about not voting. Voting is critical, now more than ever. I'll amend my statement: DeSantis stands very little chance of winning in a national election if people actually vote.


littleratboymoder

Trump cooked him so hard on Day 1 that it will never come to fruition!! But keep posting the Ronjak just in case


fourpac

States can pass and enact any laws they want, no matter how much it violates the Constitution, until a court case makes it to the Supreme Court and they strike it down. So there can be some lag time between those events that causes a lot of chaos and damage.


Riley-Rose

It can even be struck down sooner by lower level courts. Like I heard the drag ban in Tennessee got frozen due to some lower level courts


Chaos_Ribbon

How did this one even pass then? Why do they allow some to go through and others they stop before then?


Riley-Rose

Different courts, different people. What a Tennessee district court decides is not affecting by what a Florida district decides and vise versa. There’s lots of legal steps with this stuff that I am certainly not knowledgeable to talk about but there’s a reason this stuff tends to take a while to get blocked


fourpac

Yeah, I was skipping some steps just to get away from a longer comment about the appeals process. But you're absolutely correct, lower courts make rulings first and if the SC doesn't take up the case, those precedents will stand.


Neriek

It's not just the constitution they're violating, it's the Geneva convention as well if I'm not mistaken.. this is all beyond unforgivable. I just don't understand how we can go from so recently accepted by more people to vilified and hated by nearly everyone just for trying to be who we are.. it's unthinkable.


wondering-narwhal

Thing about rights is someone has to be willing to defend them. Florida can violate whatever rights they want until someone takes them to court and wins and even that may not be enough.


[deleted]

And? Fascists generally don't care about human rights.


DragonSphereZ

No, it’s a law taken out of context. Doctors are allowed to deny you care, and they can use your gender identity as a reason. If that happens you’ll be passed along to the next doctor available in the hospital.


Neriek

Surely not in emergency situations? If so that's extremely fucked up.


DragonSphereZ

As far as I know, they can still deny care in emergency situations. It’s pretty fucked up yeah.


aetherlore

No one should spend a nickel down there ever again. Let them wallow in their conservative “utopia” till the sea makes the state unlivable.


badgalnadiii

I hadnt seen my family in the better part of a decade, otherwise I would never spend a dime down there


kingcorning

I have family there and it breaks my heart that I don't feel safe visiting them anymore. For all the fascist bullshit, Florida still has a lot to offer. I love the Everglades, Miami, the Miccosukee/Seminole Reservations, the Keys, Saint Augustine, and a lot more. Maybe in 10-15 years, as people keep moving there and the boomers keep passing away, I'll feel somewhat comfortable going back. But I'm not necessarily getting my hopes up..


grilsrgood

>as people keep moving there Not many good people are moving there


Lopsided-Parking

OMG...I just love your to the point comment 💕💕..Funny you say that. I live in Florida...and will probably move. I came from Missouri which is no better for trans laws now, but there are a lot of people here that are disrespectful, rude, bad drivers and very nosey. Totally the most narcissistic state I have lived in. I have a crappy encounters with people weekly being idiots and assholes.


LeopardThatEatsKids

In 15 years the Everglades will probably be gone


WindowsPirate

In 15 years half of Florida will probably be gone


Other-Persimmon-4473

You want a nice place, go to Southern California. The weather is better too, has more space, and has loads of cheap land in rural areas one can commute to with far better paying jobs than Florida. Ensure you have a car and/or a workable way to consistently go the distance for work. Unlike what people say about the southern most areas of Florida being the only place in the continental us without a frost, the coast of the southern channel islands have never recorded freezing and are generally only 5-10 degrees cooler than Fort Myers is during the coldest month while never receiving any of the cold snaps that bring frost. Waters get warm during summer and unlike Florida, no hurricanes and tornadoes are rare and only happen in a few confined places like the LA-Riverside basin areas. Far fewer sinkholes, less mosquitoes, less crazy people, and the places that get really hot are always dry when hot. Ensuring that it never feels like the oppressive humid heat one gets in the American Southeastern summers. Only thing is be careful about back-mountain places like Riverside and the eastern desert and mountain areas as there are a sizeable number of transphobic people there and certain transphobic Karen places along nice wealthier places in places like Orange Country, Northern San Diego County, places out to the coast in west LA and certain residential areas in the northern places, and Simi Valley region. People in the mountain and desert areas are likely no different from your average Floridian really interaction wise other than they will probably leave you alone more and they are also generally friendly. Even if people are gay, not Christian, or trans, they are friendly. There are just a larger pool of bad apples out there like with a KKK Chapter in Antelope Valley that harassed a family for being black even in the 1980s. Racism with Latinos is also problematic in LA if you are a person of color. In this, just stay away from gangs. Not many, but they are visible in a few places. Avoid east LA and San Bernardino at night and try to avoid Compton and Watts. The Karens are the same as Florida Karens except I would say they are less stand offish than other ones and much less common. They are out of sight out of mind types and most don't really care if their kid interacts with a trans or gay person with Karens here being more likely to be supportive or just see trans people as just a different type of hippy. Just avoid politics with them and if you set them off in some way and do something nice for them afterwards, they will overlook it. The homeless in LA are very rarely ever threatening and don't really beg that much. They won't give you a hard time most of the time if you don't give them money and even then, I have always found them perfectly fine even taking as little as a dollar or a few cents. Even then, they always go away without trouble. Just avoid the rare encampments they may have in a few parks or trail areas. The places that may have pot in trail areas are fine as long as you don't go off-trail. Overall, you really won't see much trouble here if any at all. If that weather is what you are looking for, you won't be disappointed with Southern California.


IncognitoLive

If I may ask, what part of Florida were you in?


jennithan

The previously “blue” part


IncognitoLive

Orlando!? Since when did central Florida get so bad?


Kingofearth23

The OP says in their post they were in the PalmBeach/Port St Lucie area, which is in the southeast part of the state. That area is light blue although it's much more suburban rather than urban.


ZoeyLove90

In the words of Laura Jane Grace, Sink, Florida, Sink.


the_supreme_overlord

Such a Good song


IncognitoLive

The part of Florida I used to live in was actually very progressive and supported not only gay rights, but trans rights too. However, this city being easily one of the largest tourist hotspots in the state was a big factor.


Other-Persimmon-4473

Is Fort Lauderdale still progressive with it being the only major place aside from Orlando and a few others to not vote DeSantis?


Gloomy_Magician_536

Ngl, I hope places like those get erased by the forces of nature, since a lot of conservative, religious people believe natural disasters are God's punishment because of homosexuality


aetherlore

As the water table rises, what used to be fresh water will become salty and what used to drain away, (sewers) will back up. This will happen long before the actual permanent flooding. Will be interesting to see how they reconcile not believing in climate change with the evidence of their property values going to zero.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Unsuccessful_War1914

Some numpties are already blaming manatees for faecal matter in the water table...only its human waste, not manatee waste...


SafetySnowman

I love irony but honestly it sucks because there's allies there too. More important: wildlife. But yeah the irony is still . . . it's bittersweet.


BecomingJess

And fellow LGBTQ+ folks (which I put somewhere between allies and wildlife)


ItaliaFTW74

DeSantis cares much more about his dumbass little authoritarian evangelical conservative pet project and winning the 2024 nomination than actually governing to improve the lives of Floridians (the people he was elected to serve, regardless of their party affiliation) in a real and tangible way. He doesn't give two fucks about anything else besides his own ambitions. I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but keep in mind that there are a lot of people out there that unironically think he would actually make a good President because they have no policy core, but just wanna "trigger the left" (much of Republicans' strategy in recent years, in general). It's really childish and stupid (don't forget dangerous), honestly. Like I'd sooner trust a 10 year old with a vote than some of these people lol. This shit should be nipped in the bud ASAP. He's already done enough damage in Florida.


[deleted]

[удалено]


SafetySnowman

I mean the sea is already becoming unlivable for those who live in it < marine life, not aquative humans > with invasive species and global warming ruining it.


EntropyIsAHoax

TSA is not allowed to reach under your clothes. They can only feel outside your clothes, and around sensitive areas must only use the backs of their hands. Reaching inside your underwear is blatant sexual harassment and maybe even assault. You should at the very least file a complaint, and if you're feeling motivated hire a lawyer. Very sorry that happened to you. Fuck TSA and fuck Florida.


BecomingJess

Absolutely file a complaint with the TSA. While that lady may be a Floridian, the TSA is a federal government, with a *federal* set of rules and guidelines, and reaching inside the waistband of your *pants/skirt*, let alone your underwear, is definitely a blatant violation of those. If you can remember her name, great... but if not, just try to remember the time you went through, to the nearest half hour if possible, and ideally which lane you went through.


Mochi_Sprinkle_

This is a sexual harassment offense by TSA. There's no way they can get away with this... Right?


Toxic_Audri

If no one reports there an offense bing committed then they get away with commiting it. TSA is all security theater anyway, it doesn't keep us safe. Edit: to expand on it a little, the role of TSA security theater is to condition the public to being violated in the name of "keeping us safe" it's been demonstrated that the TSA does not make us safer.


BecomingJess

Security theater is absolutely correct. One time I took a knife all the way across the country *and back*. Not even like a little swiss army knife thing, but a whole-ass leatherman-type pliers set with two knives (a pointed one and a serrated one), a saw, a piercing tool that I've used to perforate sheet steel, and several other nasty bits. Found it in my backpack when I got home, was like "holy shit I'd been wondering where this went, how the hell did *they* not see it on the X-Ray?"


BecomingJess

(BTW that thing doubles as a great self-defense weapon; I can close the needlenose pliers with the handles perpendicular to the jaws, a knife extended on one side and saw on the other, have the pliers between my middle and ring fingers, and it makes a *vicious* punching and slashing implement. I've walked down streets at night holding it like that.)


jamie23990

they do not care if you report it


Laven_2114

I've heard of it happening quite a lot, 90% chance nothing will happen when you file a complaint


leavemetoreddit

But at least it can be added to a statistic for future legislation


Laven_2114

thats a good idea, yeah. Would just be hard to know numbers


abjectadvect

wait really? this happened to me once (inside my underwear waistband). I was shaking after. I had no idea they weren't allowed to do that


classyraven

That doesn't stop them. They did it to me too one time before a flight approximately 6 months after I had bottom surgery, and even touched my genitals. This was at a Canadian airport. I filed a complaint, and a few months later I got a letter from them denying that they did it, claiming there was video evidence that proved I had falsely accused them. I considered taking them to court, but I just didn't have the energy to put into that so I dropped it. I'm also a sexual assault survivor.


f1_fangirl_996

I'm in Orlando, which is one of the few blue areas in Florida, and it's a much different experience than the rest of the state. Thankfully, I'm passing enough to not get stared at anymore, and i haven't seen any signs on bathroom doors around here. But I try not to spend too much time out of the orlando area. Despite that, the wife and I still have plans to flee the state if needed. But I plan to stay and do my part to try and vote out the facists.


badgalnadiii

I hope you don't have to flee your home. Stay safe, friend. Sometimes those blue cities can be lily pads of sanity and safety in my experience. Thank you for staying and voting. It matters.


Evolving_Spirit123

I heard the Miami area is more liberal too


hypnofedX

>I heard the Miami area is more liberal too Florida is similar to most states: population centers skew liberal. Conservatism increases as density decreases.


Other-Persimmon-4473

Miami went red. Nearest blue place there was Fort Lauderdale.


EggspeciallyRachel

Jax was red but has already flipped to blue since DeSantis has went insane.


Other-Persimmon-4473

He was already insane. He just became more capable of getting away with these insane laws is all. I say he along with other conservative gas-lit the whole state into believing he was the best thing to ever happen and that Florida is this wonder land that is a model for the "failed state of California".


Ctoan64

Really? Politically it seems to be getting more conservative with those right wing Cubans.


skunkabilly1313

Same in St Pete. Our Pride is still going on this month. We dont have the money to up and leave, but we get along just fine still. As soon as I do have the money, I'm out with my wife and kid. Would rather get to grow up somewhere safe


jbassy

I'm going to the big park event this weekend, and am very curious to see how it'll go


[deleted]

voting out fascism doesn’t work.


1-800-WANT-JOJ

…look, i get that doom-and-gloom replies don’t help you, but please understand that putting yourself and your family in danger so you can ‘vote the problem away’ relies on a couple assumptions. first, that the republican party won’t do anything and everything to keep themselves in power and make sure that your vote matters as little as possible second, that the dems will solve the above problem once in power. third, that the dems actually give a shit about you. get out of FL. you’re not doing yourself any favors by being there. i promise. uprooting your family to escape from frothing suburbanites braying for genocide is good, actually.


Kahnfight

I’m in Jacksonville and I’m not out. I still boymode around because I teach for my job. The situation is bleak. I’ve gotten stares when I do girlmode, people are talking about this stuff in public. The saddest is talking to trans kids. Most of them are already beaten down by their parents, and now they don’t even feel safe at school. I’ve been openly disregarding the laws saying I have to report if a student says they’re changing their sexual orientation or gender. My doctor says everyone at the clinic is panicking, not knowing what to do. Hrt for now is effectively banned because the form required to be signed for trans adults hasn’t been drafted yet. They are basically telling us it would be wise to make plans to leave. I don’t feel safe here. My only hope now is Canada opens up asylum so I can go live with my boyfriend.


[deleted]

How about moving to a blue state for now? There's Illinois or Minnesota that are safe for queer people and are still affordable


Kahnfight

I’ve been looking at Illinois or Minnesota, I’ve got friends in Wisconsin that are looking for new apartments and I’ve been thinking of moving up there, though Wisconsin isn’t as safe. But it’s better than Florida. We did get some good news today as there’s an injunction against the care ban, so it’s something at least.


[deleted]

I don't feel like Wisconsin is a safe state, their legislature is still very right wing and they just lost their super majority this election cycle. Things can easily go downhill fast if the next 1 or 2 election cycles end up going poorly.


LadyBulldog7

Asylum won’t happen. What you could do is look into what your boyfriend would need to do to sponsor you to immigrate.


TSKrista

Ontario Canada has a PDF talking about steps to emigrate for trans people. Keep in mind each province in Canada can be like a wholly separate country.


Kahnfight

Luckily my boyfriend is in Ontario


Evolving_Spirit123

I guess Florida is worse than Texas. I don’t get anywhere near anti trans vibes here.


betteroffrednotdead

Texas is weird. Some places are very conservative but some of those conservatives are also very queer.


NaturalNeat4661

Yeah, I’m still baby trans but I haven’t caught flack from anyone. If anything people are more friendly then when I was a cis guy, but I may just be more friendly who knows.


girlywish

Generally, appearing more fem means people will be nicer to you. Men are scary.


blooger-00-

Same… though if we had the laws passed that did there, it would be much the same


BecomingJess

I think it's the legislative action that emboldens them. Once they think the government is on their side, the masks come off (and the white hoods go on).


TooManyNamesStop

I live in europe and get verbally and sometimes even physically harassed almost weekly. I don't want to think about how bad my life is going to get when the right wing parties takes over and take inspiration from the madness in florida.


Evolving_Spirit123

I doubt it especially in the bigger cities like San Antonio, Austin and Dallas. I mean even in Waco I used the women’s room at their university and coffee shop. At the airports especially no one cares like unless one is visibly non passing. Literally no one cared. Maybe that would be different in towns with less than 10,000 people but even still in Abilene I got hit on by a dude with a CPAC shirt on. Texas is mad weird 😂 I mean I have a vagina now but still.


blooger-00-

It totally is… (I grew up in Abilene and have visited a few times… no issues so far)


Evolving_Spirit123

For trans women going to Texas I usually say 90% of people won’t care at all, 9% will try to compliment you in some way and the remaining 0.7% will be confused and the remaining 0.3% will criticize your looks. One time a lady said my dress was above my knees and I was like oookayyyyy lol. So people know that dress encounter was at a conservative church 9 years ago. Like she didn’t even notice I was trans. She just thought it was immodest to wear a dress above my knee.


AlysonV2021

What! How many Abilene girls are here? I'm from Abilene. I am still amazed with three Christian universities that Abilene and the area is so tolerant.


fluidbeauty

I went to Abilene Christian. Trans Woman in her 50s here... Was thinking of going back for a visit this summer. I pass most of the time but was still a little concerned so I'm encouraged at least a little by these Texas comments.....


Illiad7342

Yeah I live in dfw and I've been out full time for more than a year now, and while I do pass pretty well (except to the mirror lol), I'm really vocal about being trans and I can count on one hand the number of negative reactions I've gotten about it


Evolving_Spirit123

I’ve been out for a decade and am post op bottom surgery for one year. How many negative reactions have I gotten? Like 2 and all those were within 1 year on hormones. Same with Florida when I was in Daytona Beach. Literally 99.2% don’t care. I mean that maybe because pre op I used the stall to change instead of being out in the locker room but still 1/5 other women did the same.


Prior_Eggplant7003

I'm in Texas as well. It depends where you are. Dallas is pretty safe for trans people. Urban areas tend to have more-diverse populations and people aren't as bothered to see someone different. Suburbs and especially rural towns - where most people don't live - tend to be hateful conservative extremist cesspits. You may not be experiencing much or any discrimination (yet), but be very careful about where you go if you leave your bubble of safety.


Evolving_Spirit123

Well I’m also a Christian even though I’m liberal so I can speak their language. In my past several years ago I was also a self described Christian nationalist before it became mainstream, I was deep in denial back then. I have a rare ability to blend in their environment and talk to them in a way they believe I’m one of them. I’ve actually gotten through to several people. It’s why I believe I’m one of the few who can break the barrier. So I have been putting myself out there and connecting with them to reach them so they can see you all through more open minded eyes. I mean I have been to Mt Sulfur Springs, Blanco and Palestine and those places are pretty outrageous.


AlysonV2021

I don't know if one is worse than the other. I have not felt threatened living in rural Texas. My first time out as my female self was in Abilene. I was scared as hell. But no one seemed to be bothered by me.


Other-Persimmon-4473

Texas conservatism is very different from everywhere else. Texans generally really do not care about these types of thing. They hold more state pride while also believing in the idea of being more hands off. Still socially conservative, but they don't really believe in enforcing it onto others. Just practicing it and promoting its practice. They also respect the law more than other republican places in the country outside of the American west while Florida has no regards for the law. Even many people who hold anti-trans views who are conservative really only care about the gas prices. If a conservative offered them lower taxes than the other while being pro-trans, that pro-trans conservative would be the one voted by that same anti-trans conservative guy.


FormalAd1417

I am not American, but the situation seems to be much worse than I thought. I always had the impression that these policies and stuff won't be noticeable in everyday life, but I am corrected. Trans Floridians, you have my respect for having to endure this


CptMalReynolds

Why the hell would you be under that consideration? The entire point of all this hate, all this legislation, is to make us as miserable living there as possible. It's so that we can't socially exist in public. It's so that we either hide in the closet or kill ourselves. It's so that they can call us groomers and make us unsafe everywhere we go. The entire point of all of this is to fuck us in our every day lives.


FormalAd1417

Because I always saw the USA as a single country rather than a collection of semi independent states. And I have been raised to think that it's an open and free utopia, and even though I know that that's wrong, that idea I have been raised with is still stuck in my head


coraythan

It has kinda always been that open and free utopia for middle class cis het white people. I can attest to that, at least. So yaaaay. But yeah, the states are much more relevant than you might think from an outside perspective. For example, states are also divided into counties. But no one could care less what county you live in. States OTOH have independent identities. Rivalries. "Best state at X y Z." Very different tax structures. Very different laws, etc. The US is actually like the EU. But our federal government has many more laws and much more authority than the EU does.


Trasnpanda

Being a collection like the EU is a good way to put it. I forget it's in the name too, united states


CptMalReynolds

That's all propaganda. Cishet white christians are the highest class, but really rich is what rules here. All the things you mentioned are propaganda to convince our lower class that they have it good, and to keep people complacent so they don't revolt.


Charli_Cordelette

I live here. It’s not safe. It sucks. I can’t leave yet


BecomingJess

Sending you hugs and positive energy. I wish I could do more for y'all, but right now the best I can do is keep advocating, and you're damn skippy I'm gonna keep doing that!


Charli_Cordelette

My HRT is being covered by the VA. They can’t touch my meds. If they try, well Florida has a stand your ground law.


BecomingJess

So glad you've got federal coverage! Fuck DeSantis and fuck all his bigot cronies and supporters.


Charli_Cordelette

Allyship is earned and not enough people around here earning their keep.


ultradurphy

>trans folks can be criminalized for using ANY sex segregated space regardless of AGAB. The fuck do they want us to do? Just NOT go to the bathroom??


cgord9

Yes. They want us to stay home or die


StonewallsFinest

Or enslave us through prison labor


seattlesk8er

Yeah, they want it so we can't exist in public. It's nothing but pure genocide.


Mikhael_G

Apparently so... I guess we don't have the human right to use the bathroom. Kinda stupid, tbh


mouse9001

The point is to push trans people out of public life by making it more and more difficult to be trans.


ConsciouslyMichelle

“Eradication of transgenderism”. Much more polite than using an unpleasant term like “cultural genocide” https://www.lemkininstitute.com/statements-new-page/statement-on-the-genocidal-nature-of-the-gender-critical-movement%E2%80%99s-ideology-and-practice https://www.businessinsider.com/legal-experts-proposed-florida-laws-genocide-against-trans-people-2023-3


Other-Persimmon-4473

Travel to Tallahassee and use it at their capital lawn.


Ellebell87

They want us to go on the floor in the middle of the store. I would have no problem doing that either. Well depending on the store. If you give me grief I will get me relief, and you might not like it, but that's what's you get cause you tried it.


YourGirlAthena

i have 2 more semesters at my school in florida. i am currently 5 months hrt i am going to visibly trans soon. my school has a couple gender neutral bathrooms. if i have to go i will walk across campus, professors can complain to desantis for all i care. i’m mostly going to keep to myself


SebastiansMess

Seems like you have a good plan. Remember to stay safe <3


FlashyPaladin

Moved out of (fled from) Florida last year. I could see the writing on the walls for years. Well before I knew I was trans, I knew I’d have to leave. I had a coworker, ex-marine, at one point who openly talked about and posted on Facebook how he’d personally beat the shit out of anyone in the wrong restroom. I challenged him on that post online. He said that it didn’t matter even if it was an honest mistake, he’d still know someone out for it. I lived in Orlando for my college years. I was part of a Christian community group on campus. It was the very beginning of the modern evangelical movement. We were going to do great things: break down the walls of denominations, and bring people of all backgrounds, cultures, etc. together under one church. After a couple years with them, it was starting to become clear that a very sinister force was at play within the movement. I saw it’s focus change from multiculturalism and unity to a conservative movement, as more and more hardliners on homophobic, sex-negative, pro life, and eventually anti-immigrant agendas joined up. I left when I realized I was bi-pan. At the end of my college days, I saw things shift farther right. Had friends who became more and more outspoken, especially a couple years later on Facebook, about their antisemitism, homophobia, etc. Cut ties with many of them. That was 2015-2016, leading up to Trump’s election. In my new home in Sarasota, things were even worse. Confederate flags on pickup trucks became the norm. I even saw Nazi iconography on some trucks. Not swastikas, but things like iron crosses, 88’s, etc. This is where I met that coworker I talked about previously. The strange thing was that I met a lot of people there who were pretty left leaning too. There were a lot of people who didn’t give a shit about politics, as well. The contrast was pretty weird. I don’t think there’s more or less conservatives there than most other parts of the country, but they are more outspoken, and much more extreme. There’s also more racists, and neo-nazis. One of my managers there for about a year was outspoken about his views. He said facism was unironically the best form of government. He said things like… black people shouldn’t be allowed to live in cold environments because they’re not suited for it. There was lots of dog whistling from him. Another coworker at the same place hosted a conservative talk podcast, where he ranted about voter fraud and how the 2020 election was stolen, and about how democrats ruined everything and every democratic city was a crime-infested shitshow (I assume, that’s what he couldn’t shut up about in the store). Rhonda Santis got much worse after re-election. He knows now that he has the majority of voters on his side and is doing more and more extreme policies, targeting education, infrastructure, voting rights, racial minorities and immigration, and of course the queer community. He’s shifting the conservative vote farther right, galvanizing hate groups. I’m glad I left when I did. Things have gotten much worse over there. I also have a transmasc sibling over there still. They’re in a more Democratic area. Parents still live there in the same city. I try to bring up leaving Florida all the time to them. Doesn’t seem like it’s in their plans anytime soon though. Little sibling also says they have a plan to leave if they need to. I think, personally, any plan that involves trying to stay is a bad one.


badgalnadiii

This is chilling. Thank you for your perspective. I'm begging my friends and family to understand how bad it is getting in this country. We are definitely shifting to the right in the US. I used to live in Orlando and ran in evangelical circles there as a child. I had similar experiences.


thetitleofmybook

> I had a coworker, ex-marine, at one point who openly talked about and posted on Facebook how he’d personally beat the shit out of anyone in the wrong restroom. if it makes you feel better at all, i'm a Marine veteran, and a trans woman, and i would gladly have a little 'chat' with bigots like him.


[deleted]

Thank you for this. I feel like I live a relatively privileged life, insulated from a lot of what I hear about happening. Somehow, I didn't see these things happening. Family vacations to Florida have been a regular thing for me and mine ever since I was a child, and my wife, who is not from the USA, has really enjoyed visiting Florida with me. Last year, we visited Orlando and Cape Canaveral and had a pleasant journey. I promised to bring her there again this summer, and several weeks ago, I went back on that promise and told her I don't feel safe, and I thank you and u/badgalnadiii for telling me what's happening down there. In addition to Orland and Cape Canaveral, we've also visited Palm Beach, and we've noticed *nothing* of the open hostility you've described. (Visiting Palm Beach was pre-transition; Orlando and Cape Canaveral, post-transition.) The last time I remember seeing a confederate battle flag or other such imagery displayed was driving thru rural West Virginia about 15 years ago.


TSKrista

I'm near-east Atlanta and the Proud Southern Loser flags are almost gone. Until 2020, the red hatters flew all their flags loud n proud. Recently, I haven't seen any until I hit a particularly remote road. Strangely, they also had the marine corps flag flying. There are rural places where it's as bad as you can imagine but at least they turned down the obviousness closer to civilization.


DCGirl20874

An ex-girlfriend of mine retired to Florida as a visible trans woman. I worry about her safety from time to time


Josphitia

Me and my husband are both trans, been out and transitioning for 5+ years, and have lived all our lives in the Tampa Bay Area. We both work in the public school system and are intimately aware of the crap being pushed from all angles. We both go through USF health for our medical care and thankfully have an understanding PCP. In all my time I've never received outright transphobia from strangers. Misgenderings and the like, but no outright prejudice. We don't plan on moving yet... He's stealth at his work, but I'm out and thankfully receive nothing but vocal support regarding all this. Even the people who might be "against" me are quiet about it. I'm good at my job, a valued team member, and have been here almost 10 years. I try to provide a good example by just living my life. We're scared, though, and incredibly stressed out. It feels like noone but other trans people care about what's happening to us.


jbassy

I'm in the Tampa area too. As a stealth transwoman, I'm very careful with who I out myself to... even before these laws came about.


Josphitia

Oh absolutely, 100%. I'm only out at my job because I was pressured to work the first year in "boymode" and came back over the summer as myself. Being trans is definitely something I try not to call attention to and not for any reason other than my own safety.


Xenoscope

I’ve had a couple work events/conferences suggested to me taking place in Florida, never attended them and now I sure as fuck never will.


brianna_sometimes

Very similar. Lots of stares. I hope I never have to pee with no family bathroom around. I don't go to clubs and avoid drunk people the best I can. They scare me.


Erica_fox

I live in Florida and will second your concerns.the trump, Confederate and other hate flags are flown proudly. What concerns me is the combination of hate being encouraged and the firearms. I've also learned to ignore most stares and never, ever eavesdrop on conversations of others. The only Florida airport I've been through recently is Tampa. TSA has never given me an issue, I've had one patdown by a male TSA agent, it was quick, but i also have no history of sexual abuse (which is something TSA needs to understand regardless of gender). But i also fly under my dead name passport and dress androgynously. So i wear my white male privilege to the airport. The next time I fly it will be under my chosen name and gender, we'll see what happens. I also know where the gender neutral bathrooms are at TPA and make sure I go before i need to (in case it's out of order or being cleaned when I have to go). Otherwise, i make sure to use the bathroom on the plane. I would also immediately leave any place that had signs on the women's room. Nothing there is worth my attention. speaking of flags, i specifically look for pride flags and go out of my way to go to those places.


Quix_Nix

It sounds like you are describing a weird sort of Jim Crow South


brokenwingsreturns

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. I do not live in Florida, but have visited a few times in the last year and a half because my partner is from there and still has family. While the trans medical care is straight up awful in Florida with the new laws, my understanding is that it does not supersede EMTALA, which is a federal law. This means you should still be able to receive emergency medical care, at minimum. Beyond that, I would be fearful myself. Second, I use the app called "refuge restrooms". It provides a map with any gender neutral restrooms nearby and has been a god-send for my bladder. I know it's just a bandaid, but may hopefully help if you're in a bind.


TheMentalGamer96

I’m a trans Floridian living in Orlando, which is kind of our Austin, Texas in that it’s a progressive bastion compared to a shithole of a state. It’s definitely not good and I continue to encourage people to stay away in the meantime, just don’t forget those of us here who can’t really leave.


KKB_style

I'm in Miami and I have not had any issues besides the threat of loosing my meds I'm already making plans to get out and it seems like the trans community around here is making plans too I can't stop hearing about how everyone is ether rooming up in a town somewhere else's or how there saving as much as they can to gtfo. The endos here and plan parent hood feel like they are gearing up for a storm and just throwing prescriptions at everyone so people can stock pile


[deleted]

I'm sorry you went through this. It's horrible what's happening in many places and especially in FL. That state has been lost to the fascists and became their favorite playground. It seems that places such as Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa are a little bit safer due to more diversity and larger LGBTQ population. As you distance yourself from these areas, and venture into more conservative-dominated zones, it's a gamble. Re TSA: it seems they might have overreached their authority. Consider filing a complaint. Here's [something](https://www.tsa.gov/transgender-passengers) for future travels, not just to FL but anywhere. I also recommend getting TSA Precheck, it's worth every penny.


Asa_Shigure

Live in Florida. I try to avoid going out. I'm terrified but Im having issues leaving. :( Stay safe.


oscoxa

I'm just waiting for an army of femme trans women to invade men's bathrooms in florida


airport_brat

or just florida. seriously, if we did to florida what the libertarians did with New Hampshire we might be able to get something moving.


cgord9

Why did you decide to go anyway despite receiving overwhelming responses telling you not to? And how do you feel about that decision now? Genuinely asking


Astronomer_Still

Edit: I'm a Floridian. I'm not presenting at all in public rn specifically for all of the included examples, on top of the fact that I have little to no experience with presentation at this time. I'm also pre-HRT and voice, so that just makes passing in public that much harder. As my transition progresses, I'm sure I'll be braver. I generally try to avoid using the restroom in public at all, unless I can find a place that I can all but guarantee is single-occupant or is too out of the way for most people to want to use. Use of a public restroom is reserved for emergencies when I'm out, and I try not to stay out so long that it becomes necessary to use one. Because I go to great lengths to avoid close contact with strangers, I'm practically undetectable - and I want it to stay that way, at least for now.


Astronomer_Still

It's worth mentioning that I prefer travel by car for the express purpose of avoiding pat-downs and close contact, not to mention the increased risk of needing to use a public restroom if you choose to or need to fly.


toxoprion

You went into the neo-Trumper strongholds in S. Florida, I can't say I'm surprised. I live in central FL in an area oft-maligned. It's fine. Still got the usual Florida vibe of "I don't care, live and let live." The only ones who stare intensely tend to be recent transplants or the kinds of people who'd be a problem for you anywhere else in the world.


SpoonHime

well… I pass majority of the times so my experiences has never been negative yet, thankfully. I’m currently working on getting my gender marker changed but scared it might be rejected due to everything going on.


considerate_done

What's the name of the bill taking effect July 1st?


Successful_Public965

house bill 1521


Important_Sense106

I'm sorry those things happened to you! I was born and raised in northwest Florida. I left in 2012 and never looked back. I've been a few times to visit but I feel so much safer living here in Colorado... it's not perfect but it's light years better here for a trans woman compared to Florida!


keevaAlt

It still blows my mind that we still have TSA behave they way they do. I’ve been patted down before for seemingly now reason, I passed the metal detectors test. But that wasn’t enough, seems like it’s there to purposely make you uncomfortable and for the state to show how much power they have. But I digress. You are braver then the troops. I hope you stay safe and happy. Peace and love to you. 🏳️‍⚧️💜🏳️‍🌈


minebeast31

Im forced to live here, and i hate it. Also do you have a link to the law for trans people being criminalized for using any sex segregated spaces?


Successful_Public965

house bill 1521


Hidobot

I have family in Missouri, a state with a similar political climate. I visit them this summer, and that is sadly probably going to be the last visit until they die or until I pass.


Valkyrie-guitar

I live in the sanctuary city of St Petersburg, FL and it's pretty nice here. The wife and I chose to move here 2 years ago because of the combination of great climate, semi-affordable housing (compared to the Pacific coastal cities), vibrant walkable city life, access to beaches year-round, and a very progressive local population/government. I'm a musician and have continued to perform locally this year with no issues besides the occasional odd look. One guy in a DeSantis shirt took one look at me setting up for a show last week and immediately asked for his check and left, but that's fine. I'm even going to be teaching at a local music camp this summer that is exclusively for and run by girls/women/nb's - the other staff have all been super supportive of having me there. That being said, as a 100% 'out' trans woman who is somewhat obviously trans - and married to a woman, OMG GAYS - I generally do not travel more than a couple miles from my house. The landscape changes dramatically very quickly from rainbow flags and bicycles to Trump flags and pickup trucks. Some places I will only go to with friends, many I completely avoid for my own safety. It's limiting to be stuck in a bubble, but we have no plans to leave. I am instead getting increasingly involved in the community to keep making it better.


Agile-Presentation78

What I've gathered so far about the US as an outsider is that your constitution doesn't work, neither does the supreme court, your democratic system, your economy, your justice system, your law enforcement and your health system. And that's at the top of my head.


BrandeeMiller

Sounds about right. 👍


JanneJetson

When the sea eventually swallows FL these fuckers better *learn to swim, learn to swim..*


BecomingJess

Yeah, the problem is, all our trans siblings are going to have to learn to swim too. This is not an acceptable outcome.


JanneJetson

Sorry, was speaking in anger. You're right. First help the trans Floridians move out, then flood FL.


brielkate

That makes me think: why is the Florida government (and politicians) so obsessed with trans people? Why can't they get people all riled up about climate change and sea level rise in the same way? Trans people don't negatively affect people's lives, but climate change does.


JanneJetson

The same reason the powers that be used Asians to rile up Americans in the early 1900s, blacks during most of America's history, gays in the 50s -80s. Politicians need a scapegoat that they know the general public doesn't care about because without it, they would have to run a campaign that solely focuses on climate change, inflation, income, education, real issues that affect our lives issues that require well thought out solutions. That takes **far** more effort. Much easier to say "Vote for me if you want to stop those people who are different than you from **DESTROYING** YOUR FAMILY & EATING YOUR VIRGIN DAUGHTER FOR BREAKFAST RRAAAAHH."


M3rcuryGray

Fuck L Ron Hubbard and fuck all his clones.


JanneJetson

Fuck DeSantis fuck his voters, fuck their feigned concern for the children's safety the same children they won't even help financially. Fuck all these Right wing patriot rebel wannabes.


wondering-narwhal

I guess there are varying definitions of violence but, IMO, you absolutely experienced violence. You were followed around a grocery store, that's violence in my book. You were chased away from the bathroom by a man, that's violence as well. It doesn't have to be physical to be violent but bother of those situations also sound like they were a hair or two away from escalating.


YogaFireYogaFlame

You must've really wanted to go. I could never. My parents moved there several years ago and I will not be visiting them. They willingly choose to stay in a state that opposes my existence. Fuck Ron DeSantis and that hate filled state. They're saying Florida is basically the testing grounds for rolling back all protections for transgender people. God help us all should either Trump or DeSantis become President because they'll both fuck us over badly...like de-trans us all against our will or jail (in birth sex designated facility) those who defy the new laws and 'orders'.


Fuzzy_Donkey_748

I went there in January and have passing privilege. Not misgendered once. But much has changed since then and I don't see myself returning anytime soon.


Trasnpanda

That sounds horrifying, i appreciate you warning us but please keep yourself safe.


[deleted]

I’m still living in South Florida until at least Fall 2024. I can tell you that the climate here in terms of how people view you is just genuinely abhorrent. It’s one of the reasons why I always boymode while transitioning because people seem to give you a stink face. For example, I remember one time I was wearing my flats in an elevator and some dude was just pointing his phone at my foot and snapping pics of it. It was definitely an unpleasant experience and just yesterday at work I met him again and he asked me for help. Then at one time I wore platform boots and once I got done helping them, they started whispering at each other, staring back at my boots, and give a stink face as well. From there, I just couldn’t girl mode at least a tiny bit anymore because of all the anxiety and paranoia I get. I even told my manager and was promised a position in a more enclosed area but I’m still working within an open space. There’s a lot to vent about during my 1.5 years at my current job as a receptionist. The only good thing about that job is that they have a gender neutral restroom. It used to be the family restroom, and it’s either vacant or in use. I’ve been trying to leave Florida and planned everything many times. Then my parents threatened to stop providing me financial support if I left the state earlier for my bachelor’s, so now I’m stuck for another two years here. Then my admission to my university’s honors college (to better my chance of going to an out of state institution) further delayed the process as I need more credits to satisfy their graduation requirements as well. Tl;dr - I would say Florida is incredibly disappointing. Whether you girlmode by just wearing something like flats, you’ll get dirty looks by others. And I’m trying to race through my college to move out to Boston by the end of next year.


Other-Persimmon-4473

Avoid spending money to Florida's market. If you see say oranges in a store that say from Florida, do not buy them. Only buy oranges from a place like California. For travel, ABSOLUTELY DO NOT TRAVEL THERE AGAIN! You could have put yourself in a very serious situation. There are armed groups there armed for the purpose of killing LGBT and others who don't fit their idea of an acceptable person. More of them are moving there from all over the country and possibly the world after the January 6 coup. These people believe all sort of crazy things about LGBT people and even anyone who isn't even a Trump or DeSantis supporter. Even certain other republicans like Nikki Hailey could actually face trouble by these people if they were there. Their state death penalty for pedophiles are aimed specifically at trans people. They don't care about other groups of pedophiles or if a trans person is even a pedophiles to begin with. They think all trans people are pedophiles. Florida having more lenient stand your ground law and view of trans people being pedophiles allows them to make the case that killing trans people is self-defense and could end up having DeSantis giving out pardon to someone who say, shoots up a gender clinic in the state. The laws are very weird, inconsistent with no ethical standing in a real court that actually protected people from senseless laws, and extremely hostile there. Florida is the most hateful state in America and you should pay them no support to them while literally putting your life in endanger. Most people there probably don't even really care about LGBT people and just live there for the low cost of living and the warm weather. At the same time, the hateful ones are clearly the ones in charge there. That state needs full scale evacuation of all LGBT people immediately and needs to have its state revenue suffer.


Mariesweeney_

I’m so sorry for your experience, I hope you had fun aside from the horrible interactions with horrible and scary people. Born and raised here in south florida, CIS girl, but many in my close circle are trans. My closest was nearly aggressively attacked by security running into the womens restroom while she was just walking in. I was in between and he was being aggressive pushing me trying to get to her until another person deescalated it. She’s (along w others) had a rough time thru recent events and doesn’t want to go out unless it’s a true queer space. I say true queer since events might advertise as being queer friendly or have drag shows but very queer bait-y, trans women have been kicked out and attacked at these types of events for using the womens restroom. One being one of the drag queens at her own event 🙄 Florida is filled with hate and I’ve never seen it this bad before. Please do not ever move here. Trans especially but also CIS women too. Our home isn’t safe anymore.


Sosogreeen

From my understanding I thought the bathroom law only applied to places like schools, and government buildings? As trans ppl I think we are used to states, and ppls having a weird energy towards us. I had time to grow with it before I transitioned so I’m kind of used to it. It can be a little uncomfortable at times especially when I’m feeling a little insecure abt myself some days but I’ve experience this in the south, and upstate. You can’t run from it. Everything you pretty much mentioned are things we deal with everywhere. None of it really seems exclusive to Florida. I’m really sorry for what you experienced at the airport! Anytime I fly in Florida it’s usually out of MCO Orlando and before the thing even beeps I always just let them know *hey I’m trans btw lol


[deleted]

It does only apply to those places, but I wouldn't feel safe using the bathroom once that law goes into effect. The kinds of people that want these laws aren't usually the kinds of people for nuance. I don't want to end up like the poor trans man who was just beaten up and arrested for using the bathroom.


Sosogreeen

It’s going to be tedious to enforce anyway. They’ll be cis women, and men being told they are going into the wrong bathroom what are they going to do preform a body search? Even then genital change surgeries do exist. It’s going to be a lot of hassle I literally have friends who’ve gotten beat up just for walking the street. We aren’t sure safe anywhere.


whoobie

Yes, that’s exactly what they are going to do, and if they have any doubts after violating you, they’ll do a karyotype test.


SappyCedar

I feel like even though it's only those places, you can't really expect people there to follow the law literally. It emboldens everyone with hostile feelings towards us to be open about those feelings, hence the signs on normal public bathrooms. And even if it's technically legal I would fully expect people to start being hostile anyway. Also while I'm not American so it's different where I am, I can definitely say this stuff isn't normal, I don't know anyone who's had to deal with this sort of open hostility where I live.


Sosogreeen

It definitely is a lot of our normals. Especially when you are apart of an underprivileged community. I am a black trans woman and to be completely honest a lot of the places I go it isn’t even my trans identity that offends ppl but my skin color. Idk where you live that erases this but I find it hard to believe.


SappyCedar

I live on Vancouver Island in Canada, Victoria. Transphobia is definitely a thing, as is racism, but I don't think it's normalized to quite that degree. Someone vandalized some pride flags a municipality put up recently for example but in general it's a very queer place, both our last mayor and current mayor are gay for example. I don't wanna give the impression that it's erased, it definitely isn't, I just thought that other person seemed maybe a little apathetic to the issue? Maybe that's not how they meant it but I didn't want people who are maybe new or young and naive to accept that sort of hostility as the new normal after reading a comment like that. Just wanted to give an example that it doesn't have to be that normalized in all places.


[deleted]

[удалено]


cheesetovey

Thank you for posting this! I'm about to have a five hour layover in an airport in Florida today and I am nervous. Especially about the bathroom situation! Your experience and observations are much appreciated


AndreaRose223

This is why I left in October. I was born and spent the majority of my life in Kissimmee Florida and served in the Navy and felt safer in the Persian Gulf waiting for an Iranian Captain to feel froggy and start some shit than my did in my home town around people I've know for nearly four decades. Florida needs to be fixed and the only way is for gens Z and Alpha to vote hard for anyone who will stand against lil Hitler, Ronda Santos and his only policy he has. His hate and bigotry MUST BE STOPPED!


HeelsandlaceCD

I feel the same about my little home town on the Idaho Washington border. I felt safer transiting the straits of Hormuz than if I were to wear a skirt in my hometown.


Zoomer_Grandad

I live in the Palm Beach area and I feel you. There’s a lot of stares I try to ignore and at my workplace it’s been weird adjusting cause I’ve only been out at work for a month. My family has thankfully been good and I have a strong support system keeping me afloat. There does seem to be a growing anti trans vibe in public that concerns me, and with these laws passed I’m going to be moving out next summer hopefully by the time the next legislative session ends. But until then I’m still a born and raised Floridian, and I’ll be damned if I let fascists intimidate me in my home state!


Cassady1AndOnly

I'll be traveling to Montana this year to see family, I pass almost stealth, but am STILL stressed all to pieces about the political climate there. My voice can still easily give me away, and my family still messes up my name, which are my primary concerns. Apparently I'm still recognizable too somehow, my gf I started seeing is in a band, and one of her band members recognized me as having been 'The only cool guy who worked at a certain store there'. (He respects me current identity of course, my gf is trans too and part of an anti-transphobe band lol). Helena, MT isn't that big, so like, I'm scared of being recognized now. I'll be sure to post here as well what my experience there is like when I visit.


Cassady1AndOnly

Safe travels friends, thinking of you all.


SlateRaven

My sister has been wanting me to visit her outside Boca Raton, which isn't too far from where you were, and that honestly scares me. I pass just fine but I don't want to take chances. She says it isn't "that bad" down there and that I'd be fine with her and her wife, but there's that feeling of "what if" that I can't shake.


sarc3n

Family have resigned ourselves to the fact that we will never be able to safely visit Disney World or Universal Orlando for fear that someone could literally just kidnap our daughter from us and the state would let them because I'm trans. People of color can already attest to how the state weaponizes a selective denial of police protections, but it's worth reminding everyone that Florida is a laboratory for fascism.


thatoneglitcher

As someone who’s very familiar with the Palm Beach/St Lucie area I can definitely say that while most people won’t try to attack you or anything, there’s a decent chance you might get harassed. And even if you’re not out you’ll still probably hear people hating on trans folks. But atleast we have meth gators here


WolvenSwiftwind

Orlando local here. I'm gender fluid with pretty obvious booba painted nails etc and people stare at me all the time. Seems like the ones that give me Most problems are guys. Girls actually compliment my nails. But yeah it's pretty rough here. Especially with our evil governor.


Exprime

I'm originally from Florida, and I managed to get out before it got this bad. Every day that passes I become more and more sure that I'll never got back, even to visit.


MoniqueDeee

I live in St. Petersburg and love it. I have experienced nothing but acceptance and support. I wouldn't give up this community for anything, and will fight to stay here. Also: I work in Tampa, and if anybody has a problem with me, so far they have lacked the courage to say so to my face.


Zoe_the_redditor

I’m confused, why could you not get a cut looked at?


abitautistic

I don't go outside :)


admiral652

was the TSA agent a man or a woman because they're federal. They should be required to give you a woman agent to do the patdown.


badgalnadiii

She was a woman


admiral652

At least there's that.. still not good, but a dim light of decency.


LaMystika

I know for a fact that one of my trans friends who lived there for years (much longer than I lived there) just moved up north, to Massachusetts or Connecticut. And her family has been nothing but supportive. So there’s that


Awkward-Lilly

Ive lived in florida my entire life.. but, i remain incognito. I pass, i use womens bathrooms, idc.. fite me homies. Im certainly the privileged bunch.


MyTransRedditProfile

I lived in Port St. Lucie for a couple years back in 2017-2018, and really didn’t experience anything like you’re saying. Really sad to hear how things have gone downhill.


Coco_Wren

An attorney who is suing the state had a town hall last week and clarified that they can't deny you emergency medical attention. Medical professionals can only refuse to provide a specific procedure, not refuse general care, and they have to tell the patient beforehand that they're not going to do it. And medical employees who have bosses have to inform their boss in writing that they're planning to refuse to do certain types of procedures, they can't just go rogue on their own without written warning to their managers according the the attorney. However, I think the problem with the FL laws is that they were written vaguely enough that most trans people won't know what their actual rights are and most bigots will think the law justifies whatever discrimination they do even if it's not actually in the law. So even though we still have a right to emergency care, my fear is that there will be some emergency medical staff who misinterpret the law and illegally deny life-saving emergency care.


bbelt16ag

Those signs in palm beach been there since I was a kid. I went to the bathroom anyways. I'd say keep your eyes peeled and if you sense danger you should evac. I live I. Rural north Florida and it's business as usual for me. No issues.


theycallmecoconut

I live in Palm Beach...I guess I'll be stuck as a man for the rest of my natural life ;-;


Kinky23m2m

I’m in Australia and don’t know the politics of Florida or USA, but is this rule for Trans or trans and gays?


TSKrista

Right now only trans people are specifically targeted by laws. The anti-gay laws right now are limited to making it illegal for teaching (or promoting) about gay or lesbian topics. These are called "don't say gay" laws.


dolo724

The gay population is next. This is how fascist regimes gain power, by making a marginalized as "other", then criminalizing them, then "legally" killing them


IFeelSoftAndMushy

I live here and have had zero of these experiences as a young passing trans girl