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In uncertain political times, America’s young LGBTQIA+ community are using social media as a vital crowdfunding tool.
The day after the 2024 US presidential election, thousands of trans youth across the country woke to a sense of a dread.
Iris, a 20-year-old Black trans woman living in Texas, was one of them. ‘This changes everything’ she told Wired. ‘If I stay in the state now that [Donald Trump’s] going to be president, I will die here.’
For individuals like Iris, the election result wasn’t just political – it was personal, even existential. By the 13th November she had turned to Tiktok, using the platform as a means to garner support, share her experiences, and crowdfund to cover the costs of relocating to a new state.
Iris’s story isn’t unique. As anti LGBTQIA+ rhetoric sweeps through state houses and the Supreme Court looms over gender-affirming care, TikTok has emerged as a critical lifeline. More than just a social media platform, it’s become a space where young trans Americans like Iris are crowdfunding for their survival.
The 2024 election has heightened an already dire situation for transgender Americans, particularly those in Republican-controlled states. In Texas, restrictive policies already bar trans individuals from updating their birth certificates.
In Florida, adults now face bans on starting gender-affirming hormone therapy. Many trans youth, already on the brink of access to care, now see the threat of erasure not as a theoretical concern but a very real fight.
@snowdonboobclimb A little B00B song #snowdonb00bclimb #fundraisersong #trans #topsurgery #transtiktok #lgbtqtiktok #fundraiser #justgiving #gofundme #kindness #song #kindtiktok #sharethelove #interact #spreadtheword #together #sponsorme #crowdfunding
Relocating to “blue” states, where protections remain more robust, has become a necessity – but it’s not cheap. Moving expenses, securing new housing, and restarting lives in unfamiliar places are monumental challenges. Many in the trans community, especially young people, don’t have the resources to make this leap alone.
TikTok has emerged as an unlikely sanctuary and tool for those looking to move across state lines.
Shortly after posting an initial TikTok asking for help, Iris had raised more than $34,000 against a goal of $10,000.
The algorithm also connects users with those sharing similar stories, allowing creators to communicate their struggles while building crucial support networks.
The platform’s blend of short videos and direct links to fundraising platforms like GoFundMe or Venmo allows creators to make urgent, heartfelt appeals. In a 90-second clip, a young trans man from Tennessee explains why he needs to move, citing local bans on gender-affirming care.
A trans woman in Idaho uses her platform to show the emotional toll of living in a state where hate crimes against LGBTQIA+ people have risen alarmingly. These videos, raw and deeply personal, are driving donations from strangers across the country.
@poisonjacky You have to love #ghost and #tobiasforge , the guy has been a massive ally 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈 #entersandman #papaemeritus #namelessghoul #trans #lgbt #lgbtq @officialthebandghost
More than just monetary aid, TikTok offers something just as vital: visibility. In a political climate that’s increasingly dehumanizing, the platform allows trans youth to claim space, tell their own stories, and remind the world that their lives are worth fighting for.
But the stakes couldn’t be higher. Studies consistently show that access to gender-affirming care reduces rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among transgender people. Conversely, the absence of care and the presence of hostile legislation have catastrophic effects.
The Human Rights Campaign has declared a state of emergency for LGBTQIA+ Americans, urging allies to donate to relocation funds and mutual aid networks. Organizations are also stepping up to assist with everything from housing to job placement in safer states. But the systemic support still falls short.
What’s happening on TikTok underscores a troubling truth: America’s trans youth are being forced to rely on the kindness of strangers to escape the consequences of political decisions that render them unsafe in their own homes.
While the resilience of trans youth is inspiring, their need to resort to these kinds of measures is a damning reflection of a society that consistently fails to offer tangible support.
Real action is needed, and not just from within the LGBTQIA+ community. Allies must do more than express outrage. They must donate to campaigns, support advocacy groups, and, crucially, vote for leaders who will uphold the rights of everyone in the country.
