Concerns Over Travel Safety for Trans Women Amid Changing Politics
Paige Landers, a trans woman residing in New Liskeard—approximately 90 minutes north of North Bay—has expressed her apprehensions regarding traveling to the United States in light of the prevailing political environment.
Policy Changes Under President Trump
On his inaugural day, U.S. President Donald Trump enacted an executive order that stipulates federal identification documents, including passports, will recognize only two genders: male and female. This order also prohibits taxpayer funding for gender-affirming healthcare and enforces that prisons will accommodate individuals based on the sex assigned at birth, raising concerns that trans women could be placed in male facilities.
Landers’ Shift in Travel Plans
Despite having family in Houston, Texas, Landers no longer feels secure traveling south of the border. “I used to travel down there fairly frequently on business,” she shared. However, as she has navigated her transition and observed the political developments, particularly in various red states, she noted, “Reflecting on the places I’ve visited in the U.S. over the last 25 years, I realize that, prior to recent changes, the only place I would feel comfortable returning to is New York City.”
Lilith Armstrong’s Empowered Stance
Conversely, Lilith Armstrong, a trans woman from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, has adopted a more proactive approach. She is planning a move to the United States, driven partly by her relationship with a partner living there. “I believe that trans and queer voices are crucial,” Armstrong emphasized. “Many within our community may feel pressured to retreat into what I call ‘hiding.’
Using Privilege to Amplify Voices
Armstrong acknowledges her privilege, coming from a family that has always supported her. She feels a responsibility to advocate for those who may not feel comfortable stepping into the spotlight. “I do not fault anyone for being hesitant to visit the U.S.,” she asserted. “If you do not feel safe, it’s entirely valid not to go. There’s no obligation to travel there.”
The Flow of Anti-Trans Rhetoric
Both Landers and Armstrong share concerns about the influence of anti-trans narratives emanating from the U.S. into Canada. Landers noted, “I believe, perhaps naively, that Canada has more protections embedded in our comparatively less politicized legal system. Yet, we are already observing extreme measures taken in places like Alberta and Saskatchewan with restrictive policies.”
Commitment to Advocacy in Canada
Armstrong affirmed that if Canadian political trends mirror those in the U.S., she would not hesitate to return home to champion 2SLGBTQ+ rights across the border.
