They even created a fake fireplace out of paper bags.
Were pretty creative, says Moen, whose name has been changed to protect her familys safety.
I just sat and cried, Moen says of election night.
Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images
Theres just too much hate in the world.
Theres no reason for it.
No ones hurting anyone by being who they are.
Its going to be stressful.
Our kids arent allowed to be who they are.
We have to just pick up and go.
Even before Trump took office, the federal government already hinted at what could be to come.
In December, the U.S. House of Representativesinstituted an anti-trans bathroom ruletargeting freshman lawmaker Sarah McBride (D-Del.
But families hoping to escape the long shadow of Trumps policies may experience extreme challenges in getting to safety.
Many countries are tightening their requirements for immigration and asylum, including countries historically viewed as favorable to refugees.
Could Buying a Fake Hermes Bag Actually Say F You to Trumps Trade War?
Being Trans in Country Is Dangerous.
If she is unable to find employment, Moen plans to file an asylum claim.
And thats become our life now: moving to protect ourselves or leaving and going somewhere else.
Were not allowed to have regular lives anymore.
Our kids arent allowed to be who they are.
We have to just pick up and go.
Their lives are at risk, and they cant live with dignity.
Its a really high standard that a lot of people cant meet.
Their lives are at risk, and they cant live with dignity.
Canada has a mixed track record on granting asylum from the U.S. on the basis of trans identity.
Canada will be firm and fair, he toldCBC News.
We absolutely wont be cruel.
However, families of trans youth do not only have the option of applying for refugee status.
Those requirements are fairly standard.
Jane is currently enrolled in an intensive language course to ensure that she is fluent enough before the fall.
In February 2022, Republican Gov.
Some people may read this and think, Look at these people.
They can move their child to France, and theyre complaining about it, says Anderson.
But she wouldnt be doing this if she didnt have to.
There are sacrifices on her part to leave friends and family that she loves.
Every space I walk into, I just want to scream.
Im in so much pain.
I feel like my left arm has been cut off.
I just am screaming with grief.
I just cant wake up from the nightmare.
It is not the advice of HRC that folks absolutely need to leave simply because they identify as trans.
She fled Texas with her children a year after Gov.
Abbott began directing child welfare agents to knock on the doors of families like hers.
We barely had any food, recalls Reese, Moens youngest.
As they prepare to leave for Scotland, Moen is trying to remain hopeful for her childrens benefit.
Its also possible that their soon-to-be home may not prove as safe as they wish.
It makes you very angry, Moen says.
I just cant wake up from the nightmare.
I sound positive, but deep down, I have really lost my ability to hope.
