The Queer Equity Institute Announces Trans Refuge Project

Jul 11, 2024

Printed 7-11-24, 20224
by staff writer

Amid increasing dangers for transgender individuals, the Queer Equity Institute (QEI) has launched the Trans Refuge Project, aimed at measuring the safety of trans people in various states and equipping them with educational resources and tools to counteract hostile actions.

Transgender people face a pervasive threat landscape, exacerbated by hate speech, discriminatory laws, and a lack of intervention from politicians and law enforcement. This dangerous environment has led to numerous high-profile deaths, including that of teenager Nex Benedict in February. In response to such violence and dehumanization, QEI’s new initiative seeks to provide a tangible assessment of safety and offer support to the trans community.
The Trans Refuge Project is an innovative resource that compiles data on both protective legislation and harmful bills affecting transgender individuals. By analyzing this information, the project establishes a baseline for the relative safety and security of the trans community in different states. This resource will also direct individuals to tools and support systems to safeguard themselves. QEI aims to leverage these insights to advocate for trans and queer rights at all governmental levels.
The centerpiece of the project, the Trans Refuge Map, marks a significant step in these efforts. The map serves as a comprehensive guide, highlighting states’ safety levels and guiding users to relevant protective resources.
“This is a dangerous time for trans people across America. There is a well-funded, nationally coordinated movement to dehumanize trans people across America,” said Leigh Finke, Executive Director of the Queer Equity Institute and the first openly trans elected member of the Minnesota State Legislature. “This hateful movement has created an environment where anti-transgender politicians have been allowed to pass hateful legislation. Often, acts of violence and even murder go unpunished if our community does not bear the burden of immediately and forcibly bringing public attention to those cases. The Trans Refuge Project is an effort for everyone concerned with the safety and humanity of the trans community to fill the protection gap that is being created by the failure of politicians and others to fight against these acts of hate.”
Initially, the Trans Refuge Project focuses on the Midwest, including Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin. In these states, QEI is utilizing collected data and engaging allies to raise awareness and create safe spaces for the trans community. Additionally, the project extends outreach to other states, spotlighting safety and access gaps and pointing individuals to helpful resources.
In Minnesota, Rep. Finke spearheaded the nation’s strongest trans refuge bill, passed in 2023 and signed into law by Governor Tim Walz. Provisions from this bill are serving as a model for identifying opportunities in other states.
Coming soon, the Trans Refuge Project will unveil more partnerships and initiatives to unite communities in support of trans safety and security. For more information visit Queer Equity Institute.

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.