"OutFront has worked with people from 20 states, including states like Texas and Missouri, along the Interstate 35 corridor and southeast states Florida, Tennessee and Georgia, Rohn said.
Minnesota’s relatively strong job market and economy are a draw for those seeking access to care"
Due to confounding factors, I can only say this is probably a good statement for those arriving with some savings, or had the time to find a job before the move. I have not had this level of luck myself, but this is the first city I’ve ever lived in where I have felt a desire to set down roots.*
"A November attack on two trans women at a light rail station in downtown Minneapolis, with cheers from onlookers, deterred a few people Charley spoke with who had been considering a move to Minnesota. He said it was hard on many members of the Twin Cities Transplant group.
“To me, (bystanders cheering) was the most devastating part,” Charley said.
A place to call home
Housing is a considerable obstacle for many transplants — the housing crisis in the Twin Cities affects everybody, but the absence of a dedicated LGBTQ+ shelter is a risk for anyone relocating without guaranteed access to housing, Charley said.
“And you can’t sleep in your car,” Charley said. “I talked to a transplant last year who was talking about doing anything to get out of Texas and mentioned in February living in a car.”
Charley said the “Catch-22” of finding a job without a local address is another challenge because employers might eliminate out-of-state applicants. To secure an apartment, one needs a job and proof of income, he said."
I don’t know for sure if I am the actual person this interviewee said they had spoken to, but I may be since every description fits, and am willing to share and answer and questions you may have down in the comments.
To start off with what was mentioned in the article:
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There actually are dedicated services for unhoused younger transpeople (the oldest age that is included by any of the groups is 25).
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I have been living in my vehicle at various areas around the MN metro since bailing on Texas becoming a decent place July 4th weekend 2023 (more detail im the comments)
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I have had 0 interactions with anyone here that made me feel LESS safe due to my identity or presentation. And after learning some terrifying lessons on some things to not do, I haven’t had any interactions at all overnight with the exception of 1 police check up every 1-2 months for the last year…(notes and qualifying stuff in comments)
If you are wondering If Minneapolis, or Minnesota overall, is worth the move, then I would say yes to anyone with a well laid plan and a small savings for comfort.
And you’re saftey is at risk because you live in the worst areas, I can say 1.5 years of car life in MN has without a doubt been way better for my mental, physical, and spiritual help than 1.5 years back in texas under even a million dollar roof(frankly because I’d be hanging from it one way or another long before the year mark)
Note about the police:
This should really be taken with the understanding that I am a white (trans)woman, who is sober, quiet, who is well practiced in the masking needed to make these types of interactions survivable. I am acutely aware that I am very privileged to have not been treated in the way POC’s have and still are. I feel like POC’s are likely to be safe in MN, but I’m not qualified to really speak anything beyond that.
In total, I would guess I have had ~20-25 interactions with police over the last 1.5years. All but 2 of them were almost identical: Sleeping while parked legally overnight, and lasting all of 3 mins to knock on my covered window, do a quick ID check, and make sure im not drunk / OD’d
The other 2 were fortunately just as uneventful.
Stay safe out there, no matter where you come from, and remember to stick together when you can. 💜
I’ve posted a fair handful of comments about the details leading to my current situation, as well as plenty of details about life since, on various posts elsewhere on lemmy. I’m going to avoid wasting time that I already spent writting what was a better comment than I have the energy to do rn. If you have a question, i’ll be sure to respond, and especially quick to other transpeople who have questions and are considering seeking safety here.
Also, feel free to DM me if you have concerns you’d prefer to not have in comments.
Stay safe out there, you’re worth it!
"A November attack on two trans women at a light rail station in downtown Minneapolis, with cheers from onlookers, deterred a few people Charley spoke with who had been considering a move to Minnesota. He said it was hard on many members of the Twin Cities Transplant group.
As someone who lives in the Twin Cities I found this incident disturbing and I felt disappointed in the Twin Cities. I hope its out of character from what most people find in the Twin Cities. I have found that since 2016 most progressives / liberals have been working really hard to be more accepting and listening to minority communities since we obviously failed before then. However, outside the cities its been moving towards the violent MAGA republicans like the rest of nation. So obviously a lot of interactions depend on the audience.
If there is anything allies can do to support let us know. I think most people are focusing their efforts locally since the federal government is not going to be doing anything helpful for years.
Just wanted to drop this but you’re doing great work in informing and helping others stay safe.
Merry Blåhajs and New Slay Year to you!
