TransPassage: Crowdfunding & Support for Queer & Trans Relocation

Queer Cute is creating a branch of the Queer Cute Community where we are helping trans and queer individuals leave the US and support their fee costs. Queer Cute is run by a non-binary individual working to leave the US (hi, me Charlie) and I know first hand how expensive and difficult this process is - that’s why I want to build a community space to support with the costs and to help with navigating moving abroad. It’s time to find a safe place to land so we can keep supporting our communities. We provide advice, peer support, and financial resources, all while building a community of people who care.

Who We Support

Queer and trans individuals seeking safe relocation from the United States face increasing risks, and TransPassage is building a support network to help.

Currently managed by Charlie of Queer Cute, the first phase of TransPassage focuses on creating tools and resources for support. This includes practical guides for fundraising, visa information, and comprehensive resources on trans-friendly countries.

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The next phase of TransPassage is to establish it as a non-profit organization. As Queer Cute expands into an international community space, TransPassage will provide microgrants to support queer and trans individuals relocating overseas. Launching a non-profit requires time, funding, and community support, and we are actively working to build this infrastructure.

If you are interested in supporting this work, we are seeking donors, board members, and sponsors. Your contributions will help us create meaningful impact for individuals seeking safety and opportunity abroad.

Building TransPassage as a Non-Profit

TransPassage is working toward becoming a fully registered non-profit organization to provide long-term support for queer and trans individuals relocating abroad. Our goal is to be able to begin providing grants for those moving internationally in 2026.

Currently, Queer Cute is researching how to set up operations and establish the infrastructure needed to turn TransPassage into a functioning, sustainable organization. This step is critical to ensure that when TransPassage officially launches as a non-profit, it will be intentional, well-structured, and capable of thriving.

We want to build TransPassage with care and learn from similar non-profits already doing this work; examining what has worked, what challenges exist, and how to create a lasting impact for the communities we serve. Right now we’re working to research just how to do this effectively and in a way that supports those who need it most.

What We Need

  • Support from donors to fund initial set-up costs and program development

  • Mentorship and guidance from experienced non-profit leaders

  • Partnerships with international organizations to create a strong network of support

  • Input from community members to ensure our programs meet real needs

Your support now helps lay the groundwork for a non-profit that will provide meaningful, long-term assistance to queer and trans individuals seeking safety and opportunity abroad.

How It Works

1. Review our Resources on Moving Abroad
Moving Abroad Resources

We will be rolling out a discord channel and microgrants in 2026.

Ready to Relocate?

    • Planning 3-6 months ahead (not in immediate crisis)

    • Seeking long-term stability, not temporary relief

    • People who have been APPROVED for a visa abroad. You need to have your legal ducks in a row - this is to help you with finding community, housing, and to cover fees like visa fees, passport fees and occasionally flights.

    • Have some financial resources for moving expenses. We know this is expensive - we want to make sure once you’re there, you can eat and make rent. That’s where microgrants step in - but we cannot pay for your entire move.

    1. Help you with legal questions regarding your move, we’re not lawyers.

    2. Help you with direct visa support, we can provide resources, but we cannot give any specific legal advice. (see 1)

    3. Pay for your entire move in microgrants. We help raise funds for visa fees and passport fees, and occasionally flights - but we cannot pay for your whole move. We need to be able to help as many folks as possible.

    4. Find you housing. While we are working to partner with housing providers, we cannot guarantee housing support.

    5. Work with high needs cases, if you do not have an idea of your visa or dual citizenship status of where you are hoping to move, we cannot help you.

    1. Right now we can work to support 2-3 couples or 4 total individuals a month.

    2. We are prioritizing situations where your visas are already approved or close to the approval minus fees.

    3. It is one person running this right now and we are waiting to get our non-profit status — so right now, we cannot provide microgrants right away. Earliest will be in January 2026.

    1. Complete initial application

    2. schedule a planning call / consult call

    3. Begin your move planning process

Resources:

  • Safety and relocation guides

  • Other Orgs Doing Direct Support:

    • Rainbow Railroad - focuses on international support for those escaping countries where they are facing persecution for their sexuality.

    • Trans Relocation Fund - Based in Portland, OR this organization helps trans individuals relocate to Portland, OR from unsafe states in the US.

Queer & Trans-Friendly Countries with Accessible Visas for U.S. Citizens

    • LGBTQ+ Friendly: Canada is renowned for its progressive LGBTQ+ rights, including nationwide marriage equality, anti-discrimination laws, and robust healthcare access for trans individuals.

    • Visa Options: Americans can apply for various visas, including work, study, and family sponsorship. The Express Entry system offers a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers.

    • Learn More about express entry here.

    • LGBTQ+ Friendly: Portugal is celebrated for its inclusive policies, including legal gender recognition and marriage equality.

    • Visa Options: The D7 visa is popular among retirees and remote workers, requiring proof of income. Portugal also offers a Golden Visa program for real estate investors

    • Learn more about the D7 Visa Here

    • LGBTQ+ Friendly: The Netherlands was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage and continues to be a leader in LGBTQ+ rights.

    • Visa Options: Americans can apply for a residence permit through the Highly Skilled Migrant Program or the Dutch American Friendship Treaty, which facilitates business owners and freelancers.

    • Learn More the about Highly Skilled Migrant Visa here.

    • LGBTQ+ Friendly: Spain has legalized same-sex marriage and offers legal gender recognition. Cities like Barcelona and Madrid have vibrant LGBTQ+ communities.

    • Visa Options: Americans can apply for various visas, including work and student visas. Spain also offers a non-lucrative visa for those with sufficient income.

    • Learn More: Non-Lucrative Visa – Spanish Consulate

    • LGBTQ+ Friendly: Australia legalized same-sex marriage in 2017 and has strong anti-discrimination laws.

    • LGBTQ+ Friendly: New Zealand is known for its inclusive society and was one of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage.

TransPassage:

Relocation Projected Costs at a Glance

Visa & Legal Fees

Visa application: $100–$500
Residency / work permit: $200–$1,000
Immigration lawyer (optional): $500–$2,000

Travel Costs

Flight (one-way): $400–$1,500
Shipping belongings: $300–$1,500
Pet transport: $200–$2,000

Housing

Deposit: 1–3 months’ rent
Monthly rent: $400–$2,000
Utilities & internet: $50–$200

Living Expenses

Food & groceries: $200–$600
Public transport: $50–$150
Health insurance: $50–$300

Miscellaneous / Settling In

Bank setup: $0–$50
Household essentials: $200–$1,000

Budget Level Approximate Total

Low $3,000–$5,000

Moderate $5,000–$10,000

High / Major City $10,000+

TransPassage is working towards offering microgrants in 2026 to cover key relocation costs, giving you a financial boost when you need it most. These small grants will help with:

  • Visa & application fees – covering the cost of paperwork or legal support

  • Travel expenses – flights, shipping, or pet transport

  • Housing deposits – helping you secure safe, welcoming accommodations

  • Initial living costs – groceries, transportation, or basic essentials

If you would like to donate directly to TransPassage to help start providing microgrants, please email us: queercutepdx@gmail.com