Gender refugees
Karen thought that her family would always live in Austin, in a neighborhood surrounded by friends and family. But then the Texas legislature began to pass laws targeting transgender youth, and the state's governor called for investigations of parents seeking gender affirming care for their transgender children.
"The percentage of transgender people is so small," Karen says, "But one very important part of that percentage is our daughter."
The family faced a heartbreaking choice, but ultimately made the decision to leave their home in Texas to keep their daughter safe. "How can we ask her to grow up in a state that won't allow her to exist as herself?" Karen asked.
They couldn't. In 2022, Karen's family relocated to Portland, Oregon, where they are rebuilding their lives in a more welcoming and inclusive community. "I knew it was the right decision, but also the sad decision," says Karen's daughter.
References:
Time. Texas Targets Transgender Youth, A Family Decides to Move.
