The number of LGBTQ+ Americans exploring relocation to Canada has risen sharply since the recent presidential election, advocates report, as many in the U.S. face escalating anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, policy changes, and over 600 proposed laws targeting their rights.
“The current situation in the U.S. is deeply concerning for many,” said Latoya Nugent of Rainbow Railroad, a North American organization that assists LGBTQ+ individuals seeking safety from persecution.
From January to August this year, the group received 4,197 inquiries from U.S. residents—a 760% increase compared to the same period last year. “Most who contact us are seeking help to move abroad, often stating they no longer feel safe living here,” Nugent explained.
Rainbow Railroad, which typically handles around 12,000 global requests annually, saw a sudden surge in November, with over 1,100 calls in one day following the election. “For the first time, the U.S. has become the top country where people are asking for our assistance,” Nugent noted.
The pattern appears likely to persist. “Many express fear about their future due to the political environment and new laws affecting LGBTQ+ rights,” Nugent added.
Recent policy shifts at the federal level have heavily targeted the LGBTQ+ community, including restrictions recognizing only two genders, rolling back diversity initiatives, banning transgender military service, limiting transgender athletes’ participation in sports, and prohibiting gender-affirming care for minors.
Advocacy group Glaad reported that within the first 100 days of the new administration, LGBTQ+ individuals faced over 255 policy and rhetoric-based attacks.
State lawmakers have also acted, introducing 604 anti-LGBTQ+ bills nationwide, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. Some states have moved to undermine same-sex marriage protections, while Utah became the first to ban LGBTQ+ flags at public institutions—a policy quickly adopted by more than a dozen others.
Rainbow Railroad noted that 61% of U.S. callers identify as transgender, aligning with the administration’s focus on trans rights restrictions.
“Many fear this is just the start of broader threats,” Nugent said. “Trans individuals are facing the brunt of these policies, and the repercussions extend across the entire community.”
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