Leaving to Belong: The Silent Migration of LGBTQ+ Americans

Why Are LGBTQ Americans Seeking
“Safe Havens” Abroad?

LGBTQ+ Americans on the Move

Across the United States, more LGBTQ+ Americans are choosing to build new lives abroad in search of safety, stability, and respect. Our whitepaper combines real stories, expert insights, and fresh data to explore the reasons behind this movement and the countries becoming their new homes.

Sneak Peek

What’s Fueling the Pressure on LGBTQ+ Lives?

Research shows LGBTQ+ people face growing challenges from healthcare to safety that are pushing many to explore migration or backup “Plan B” options.

33%

experience social isolation; avoiding public spaces.

93%

of trans adults worry about access to gender-affirming care

80%

fear victims of hate crimes because of their identity.

Key Questions Surrounding the LGBTQ+ Exodus

Why are LGBTQ+ Americans leading this new migration wave?

How strong is the desire to leave, and where to?

Many LGBTQ+ Americans are leaving the country. Headlines often give vague reasons, but the real causes are clear. Threats to safety, limited rights, and problems accessing healthcare are pushing people to look for better lives abroad.

What push and pull factors shape decisions?

Which legal pathways and rights matter most?

How can individuals and families build a resilient “Plan B”?

Research Contributors

Real Life Stories

Real-life stories reveal the reasons that drive LGBTQ+ Americans to seek new homes abroad, searching for safety, acceptance, and a place where they can truly belong.

"While coming out is a critical part of our queer experience… The process as it is today is centered more on the person receiving the information and not the queer person, thereby giving them the power to accept or reject us."

Uchenna Lizmay Umeh aka Dr. Lulu

Queer Pediatrist & Veteran, mother of a transgender daughter, and advocate for LGBTQ+ families

“In San Bernardino County’s High Desert, the collapse of malpractice insurance coverage has triggered a cascading crisis in LGBTQ+ healthcare. Within just two months, three clinics closed their doors,leaving vulnerable communities scrambling for care. Rising premiums, fragile practice models, and systemic insurance failures are reshaping the future of access.”

Ryan McEachron

CEO, ISU Armac Insurance; Council Member, City of Victorville

Meet the Contributors

We would like to express our gratitude to all the retirees who shared their valuable insights, which were instrumental in shaping this report. Their experiences, perspectives, and thoughtful feedback provided the foundation for our findings.

Ozlem Senan

Get Golden Visa, Head of Content

Semanur Dalkic

Get Golden Visa, Sr. Content and Social Media Specialist