Ah, travel—where the only thing scarier than airline baggage fees is the ever-growing list of places where being queer and trans is suddenly a crime again. Thanks to recent executive orders, legislation, and states that are really determined to make life harder for LGBTQ+ folks, traveling while queer in the U.S. (and beyond) now requires more planning than ever.
But don’t let that stop you from exploring! With a little strategy, some extra precautions, and maybe a dash of stubborn queer joy, you can still YEAUXLEAUX without putting yourself in unnecessary danger. Here’s how to navigate this increasingly bizarre landscape.
1. Know Your Danger Zones (a.k.a. Where Not to Get Stranded)
Not all states (or countries) are created equal when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, and recent executive orders have only made things worse. States like Florida, Texas, and even my home state of Tennessee have passed laws that impact trans healthcare, public accommodations, and even what IDs you can legally carry.
Before you travel, check:
- ACLU’s LGBTQ+ Rights Tracker for state-specific laws.
- Transgender Law Center for updates on ID and healthcare access.
- Lambda Legal’s Resources in case you need legal support on the go.
And if a place has recently passed really hostile laws, ask yourself: Is this a trip I want to take, or should I choose somewhere safer? There’s no shame in picking your battles.
2. Paperwork, Paperwork, Paperwork
States like Florida have passed laws that restrict trans healthcare and make legal documents more complicated, so if you’re trans, your ID situation might be a moving target.
If you haven’t updated your passport or state ID yet, and you can, do it now. Many states are trying to make gender marker changes harder, so securing your documents ASAP is a solid move.
If you’re traveling somewhere where your legal gender might cause issues (hello, bathroom bans), consider carrying:
- A copy of your passport, birth certificate, or any gender-affirming legal paperwork.
- A doctor’s note for any HRT or medical supplies (especially if flying).
- A backup “just in case” contact—a friend or lawyer who knows where you are and can help if needed.
3. TSA: The World’s Most Unnecessary Boss Battle
Recent changes in federal policies mean that some TSA agents are supposed to be better trained on trans travelers, but let’s be real—TSA gonna TSA.
Some survival tips:
- If you’re trans and worried about scans, ask for a manual screening before stepping into the body scanner.
- If you wear a binder or pack, be prepared to explain it—or, if you’d rather avoid the conversation, take it off before screening.
- TSA Cares offers assistance for trans travelers, but results may vary depending on the airport.
And if you’re traveling through a hostile state, be extra mindful. A TSA agent might follow federal rules, but local law enforcement? That’s a different story.
4. Red States, Blue Cities: Finding Your People in Unfriendly Places
Even in states with anti-LGBTQ+ laws, you can still find queer-friendly spaces. If you have to travel somewhere hostile (for work, family, etc.), research in advance to find safe spots:
- LGBTQ+ centers (many have resources for travelers).
- Queer-owned businesses (coffee shops, bookstores, bars).
- Affirming churches and community groups (yes, they exist, even in the Deep South).
Apps like Refuge Restrooms can help you find gender-neutral bathrooms, and Google Maps reviews sometimes give clues about whether a business is queer-friendly. Local LGBTQ+ chambers of commerce can be a great resource, as well!
5. Road Trip Roulette: Gas Stations & Public Spaces
Driving through hostile states? Plan your stops.
- Stick to major chains for gas and food—some mom-and-pop stops in certain areas may be less than welcoming.
- If traveling while visibly queer or trans, avoid unnecessary confrontations—hostile places don’t always require a law to be unsafe.
- If staying in a hotel, Hilton and Marriott tend to be LGBTQ+-friendly. Avoid small-town motels unless you’re sure they’re safe.
And if you’re flying? Pick layovers in friendly airports when possible—there’s a big difference between spending three hours in Atlanta versus, say, Salt Lake City.
6. Medical Access: HRT, Emergencies, and Avoiding Bad Pharmacies
If you take HRT or other gender-affirming meds, do not rely on refills while traveling in hostile states. Some states are restricting trans healthcare access, even for visitors.
Before you leave:
- Bring enough meds for your entire trip (+ a few extra days).
- If you need an emergency refill, research Planned Parenthood locations or LGBTQ+ clinics before you go.
- Avoid pharmacies that have been known to refuse filling trans prescriptions (looking at you, certain big-name chains in Florida). I’d also avoid any pharmacy advertising Ivermectin—context clues!
And if you need medical care while traveling? Call ahead. Some states are allowing doctors to deny care based on “religious beliefs,” and the last thing you need is to show up at an urgent care only to be turned away.
7. Digital Safety: Be Cautious on Apps & Social Media
Some states are ramping up surveillance on LGBTQ+ people, and apps like Grindr have been used to entrap queer people in hostile areas.
Ways to protect yourself:
- If using dating apps, turn off location tracking or limit visibility.
- Be wary of “too good to be true” messages—especially in places with anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
- If you’re posting about your trip, consider delaying location tags until you’ve left an area.
If you think you’re being targeted or followed, trust your instincts. Leave the area, find a public place, or contact a local LGBTQ+ group for advice.
8. If It Hits the Fan, Know Your Rights
Sometimes, even the best-laid plans can go sideways. If you’re detained, harassed, or discriminated against:
- Remain calm. (Easier said than done, I know.)
- Ask if you are free to leave. If not, you’re being detained, and they must tell you why.
- Do not consent to searches beyond legal requirements (TSA, for example, can search you, but a store security guard cannot).
- Call a lawyer or legal hotline. Lambda Legal and the ACLU have emergency resources for LGBTQ+ people in distress.
9. Finding Joy in Travel, Even in Hostile Times
It’s easy to feel like the world is closing in on us, but don’t let fear stop you from exploring. The reality is that even in red states, queer and trans people are everywhere, creating spaces of resistance, joy, and community.
- Seek out queer history wherever you go—our people have been around forever, and we’ve thrived in places you’d never expect.
- Support LGBTQ+-owned businesses—they’re often lifelines for local queer communities.
- Remember that existing openly is an act of defiance and joy. Travel is still ours to claim, even if the road is bumpier than it should be.
The World May Be a Mess, But It’s Still Yours to See
The current wave of anti-LGBTQ+ laws is infuriating, and in some cases, dangerous. But that doesn’t mean we have to stop moving, exploring, and living. We just have to be smarter about it.
So pack your bags, stay informed, and go as safely as you can. And if you ever need a reminder that we belong everywhere? Just look at the queer joy that refuses to be erased—because it’s out there, waiting for you.