Safest countries for trans people to live in

Transgender and nonbinary people have been the target of harmful legislation across the U.S. recently, seeing their medical, legal and societal rights stripped away state by state. The country has a strong healthcare system, earning an index of 74.

• If you want to dig into any of the countries listed here to learn about their specific policies, check out Equaldex.

• The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association may give some more cultural insight into the experiences of LGBTQ+ people visiting various countries.

• Rainbow Railroad is a Canadian nonprofit that helps LGBTQ+ people facing violence to relocate.

  For instance, Portugal passed a law allowing residents and citizens to change their gender identity on legal identification and documents without requiring medical procedures to physically change their appearance.

  Further, Portugal’s D7 visa is popular for applicants using passive income (i.e. Sweden

  In 1972, Sweden was the first country to allow transgender people to legally change their sex, but the requirements at that time were brutal.

  In fact, the far-right backlash has popped up all over the world, with the Netherlands, Italy and others seeing Trump-like figures come to power. 

  Each country will also have its own rules on changing your gender identity on official documents, and not all places allow for nonbinary markers. The average income in Ireland is $80K annually, and the cost of living has an index of 53.9.

  Finland is ninth, earning a score of 68.3.

  While nations offering stronger transgender protections see increasing migration applications, these relocations often create significant psychological costs alongside financial ones. Denmark also provides strong salaries, around $73K on average.

  Luxembourg is sixth, getting a score of 81.4.

  

  Before the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Puerto Rico banned conversion therapy, a controversial treatment promoted to “cure” same-sex or queer attractions. The nation offers worker protections and broad protections. The nation offers worker protections and broad protections. retirement funds, etc.) to support their request for residency.

  The nation offers worker protections and broad protections. Iceland

  In Iceland, Asher & Lyric note that minors can change their legal gender ID without parental consent. Netherlands

  You can change your gender identity without surgery in the Netherlands. Malta

  Despite Malta’s strong Catholic presence, the Mediterranean island is often named tops for LGBTQIA+.

  Finland

  Finland just changed its law requiring individuals be sterilized before legally changing their gender, a common past stipulation in Europe. But with each potential new home having different policies and political movements, it may take some careful planning to take the leap. 

  Whether you’re going solo or bringing your family; whether a freelancer or trying to vie for a corporate placement abroad, Rainbow Relocation Strategies helps you build your relocation strategy from the ground up. 

  Reach out via our Contact form or directly to our Founder by emailing jess@rainbowrelo.com.