Your safety matters. This space exists to inform, support, and empower transgender individuals and allies. Below you’ll find practical guidance for protecting yourself both online and offline.

If you are in immediate danger, call local emergency services.
In the United States, dial 911.

Online Safety

Safety & Security

Protect Your Personal Information

  • Consider using a separate email address for LGBTQ+ or community accounts.

  • Avoid sharing your full legal name unless necessary.

  • Remove location data (geotags) from photos before posting.

  • Avoid posting real-time updates about your location or travel.

  • Be cautious when sharing:

    • Home address

    • Daily routines

    • Workplace details

    • Family information

Secure Your Accounts

  • Use strong, unique passwords for every account.

  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) whenever available.

  • Consider using a reputable password manager.

  • Log out of shared or public computers.

Social Media Awareness

  • Review your privacy settings regularly.

  • Be cautious with friend or follower requests from unfamiliar accounts.

  • Do not engage with harassment. Document it and report it.

Responding to Harassment or Doxxing

If someone threatens to expose private information:

  1. Do not respond emotionally.

  2. Screenshot everything (messages, usernames, timestamps).

  3. Report the behavior.

  4. If threats are credible, consider contacting local law enforcement.

Meeting People from Online Spaces

If connecting with someone in person:

  • Meet in a public place.

  • Inform a trusted person where you are going.

  • Arrange your own transportation.

  • Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, leave.

Transgender Youth Safety Guide Printable PDF
Transgender Safety Guide Printable PDF

Offline Safety

Situational Awareness

  • Research local laws and community climate before traveling.

  • Identify trans-friendly businesses and spaces in advance.

  • Travel with friends when possible.

De-Escalation Tips

  • Avoid prolonged engagement with aggressive individuals.

  • Keep exits in sight in unfamiliar environments.

  • Stay calm and use brief, neutral responses if confronted.

Travel Considerations

  • Keep identification documents accessible.

  • Carry emergency contacts.

  • Review airline and airport screening policies before flying.

Mental and Emotional Safety

Living authentically can bring strength and joy, but stress and hostility can take a toll. Protecting your mental health is just as important as physical safety.

If you need support:

Refer to our resources page for groups and organizations:

  • Trans Lifeline
    Peer support hotline run by and for trans people.

If you are outside the U.S., please seek local crisis resources in your country.

Know Your Rights

Laws protecting transgender individuals vary by region. We encourage you to:

  • Research local anti-discrimination protections

  • Understand your healthcare rights

  • Learn the process for name and gender marker changes in your jurisdiction

The Movement Advancement Project (MAP) tracks over 50 different LGBTQ-related laws and policies.  This map shows the overall policy tallies (as distinct from sexual orientation or gender identity tallies) for each state, the District of Columbia, and the five populated U.S. territories. A state’s policy tally scores the laws and policies within each state that shape LGBTQ people's lives, experiences, and equality. The major categories of laws covered by the policy tally include: Relationship & Parental Recognition, Nondiscrimination, Religious Exemptions, LGBTQ Youth, Health Care, Criminal Justice, and Identity Documents.
Click on any state to view its detailed policy tally and state profile, or click "Choose an Issue" above to view maps on over 50 different LGBTQ-related laws and policies. 

The ACLU Map tracking attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures in 2026. Choose a state on the map to show the different bills targeting LGBTQ Rights and take action.
While not all of these bills will become law, they all cause harm for LGBTQ people.