We can’t choose what city we’re born into any more than we can choose our sexual identity. We love who we love, so we should be able to live where we can love freely. These days, plenty of cities all over the world are openly accepting of trans people. There are lively local communities where trans people can meet. In those places, trans dating is also a little more fun because you’re in the company of allies.
If you’re looking to pack your bags and move to some of the best places to live as a trans person, below are some of your best options:
Palm Springs, California
California already has the largest transgender population in the United States. With nearly 300,000 trans people in the state, there are tons of cities and neighborhoods where they can live freely and happily. However, of all the cities in California, Palm Springs is one of the best places where trans people can live. It doesn’t just have an abundance of gayborhoods, the city itself can be considered one big LGBTQ-friendly community with 115 gay couples per 1,000 households!
Palm Springs also has its own Transgender Community Coalition, which promotes human rights. One of their current goals is to erect a memorial statue in one of the city’s parks to honor the Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20th).
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Did you know that the World Professional Association for Transgender Health is based in Minneapolis? It’s an organization made up of professionals who aim to understand and treat gender dysphoria. So if this is something that weighs on your mind, the WPATH can help you out.
In terms of legal protections for trans people, Minneapolis is also one of the first cities to pass an anti-discrimination ordinance for trans people in 1975. The city (and the state) allows you to place an “X” descriptor in identity documents if you don’t identify as male or female. Lastly, Minneapolis City Council currently has two transgender members, which is a huge victory for the transgender community.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Provincetown might just be one of the first openly gay cities in the US, with representation dating back to the 1920s. This festive city has plenty of LGBTQ events throughout the year that you’ll probably experience one no matter when you visit. However, the biggest draw for many trans people is the Fantasia Fair in October. It’s the longest-running transgender festival in the world.
This New England town also has plenty of establishments and venues where you can meet fellow transgender people. Walk into any shop or restaurant and there’s a good chance it’s owned by someone from the LGBTQ community. If you decide to live here, opening a small business is one of the more common forms of income.
Berlin, Germany
Looking to venture outside of the US? Head over to Europe where plenty of cities embrace the LGBTQ community. However, if there’s one city that’s popular among European transgender people, it’s Berlin. Despite its turbulent history, the city’s LGBTQ spirit remains strong. Even from way back in the 1920s, LGBTQ members thrived in the city. In fact, the first documented trans woman to undergo vaginoplasty is from Berlin. How’s that for openness?
You can explore countless gayborhoods in Berlin like Kreuzberg and Schöneberg or go wild at one of the city’s many LGBTQ festivals. It’s also a fantastic place to live if you like to mingle with tourists and new people. LGBTQ members flock to the city all year round to experience its open and welcoming culture.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Everyone knows that Amsterdam has some of the most progressive views in the world. The city strives to be as inclusive as possible, to the point where some of the most well-known LGBTQ advocacy groups have their base in the city. Amsterdam even has its own special police force to protect LGBTQ members from harassment and discrimination.
In terms of party potential, Amsterdam’s Club Church remains unrivaled as the “it” venue for gay men and transmen. Trans women on the other hand, might like to venture to Lellebel, which is one of the newer nightclubs for some LGBTQ entertainment. Even if you’re not a nightclub person, there are also plenty of other LGBTQ-owned hangouts in the city!
