A Colorado couple recently made headlines after making the bold decision to relocate from the US to New Zealand with their trans daughter in response to the re-election of Donald Trump. Candace and Brandon, who had been living in Colorado for almost a decade, felt compelled to leave the country to protect their 10-year-old daughter from the administration’s controversial actions regarding trans rights.
The couple shared their journey with a Washington producer, highlighting their concerns over Trump’s stance on transgender issues. They pointed out Trump’s executive orders restricting trans rights, including declaring only “two sexes” and attempting to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military. These actions served as a wake-up call for Candace and Brandon, pushing them to seek a safer environment for their daughter.
Amidst the challenges faced by the Trump administration, the couple found themselves struggling to access gender-affirming care for their daughter. With limitations imposed by the new policies, they felt a sense of panic and urgency to find a more inclusive and supportive environment. Their decision was further solidified when they received news that the Children’s Hospital Colorado could no longer provide gender-affirming care to minors under 19.
The looming threat of their daughter’s passport being challenged added to their distress, prompting them to expedite their plans to leave the US. Through a GoFundMe fundraiser, they managed to raise funds to facilitate their move. Brandon’s job opportunity in LGBTQ+-friendly New Zealand provided the perfect segue for the family’s relocation to a more inclusive and welcoming environment.
In their new home, Candace highlighted the ease of documentation for their daughter’s gender identity, emphasizing the positive impact of having official documents that align with her gender. This sense of acceptance and validation in their new surroundings brought a sense of relief and security to the family, allowing them to focus on their daughter’s well-being without the fear of discrimination.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.