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A growing number of LGBTQ+ Americans are exploring the possibility of relocating to Canada, citing fear and insecurity under Donald Trump’s renewed presidency.
Advocacy group Rainbow Railroad reported a staggering 760% increase in calls from US-based individuals this year, with more than 4,100 inquiries in just the first eight months. Traditionally focused on helping LGBTQI+ people escape violence in countries like Russia or Uganda, the organisation says the United States has now become its largest source of requests for help.
“So much is happening in the US right now and a lot of it is terrifying,” said Latoya Nugent of Rainbow Railroad. “The overwhelming majority want support with international relocation… they’re afraid of living here.”
Trump’s administration has already rolled out sweeping anti-LGBTQ+ measures, including an order to recognize only two genders, bans on transgender participation in the military and sports, and restrictions on gender-affirming healthcare for minors. At the state level, more than 600 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced, with several states banning Pride flags at schools and government buildings.
Legal cases in Canada are fueling hope among those seeking safety. A judge in July blocked the deportation of a non-binary artist from Minnesota, while a 22-year-old transgender woman from Arizona has filed for asylum, arguing that Trump’s policies amount to persecution. Her lawyer, Yameena Ansari, described the case as “potentially precedent-setting,” saying it reflects how the US is no longer safe for some LGBTQ+ citizens.
Despite the hurdles of proving persecution in a country with strong legal protections on paper, advocates say fear in the community is real and growing. “For many, this isn’t just about immigration,” said Nugent. “It’s about survival.”
