Amid ever-expanding legislative attacks on trans people, militarized aggression against protestors, and a proliferation of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments, trans Atlantans Monica Helms and Darlene Wagner are seeking community support to take refuge in Costa Rica.
When President Donald Trump was inaugurated, the couple knew they needed to relocate. Since his inauguration, more than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced across the U.S. Georgia Gov.Brian Kemp has signed bills denying state funding for gender-affirming care for prison inmates and banning transgender girls from competing on female sports teams in Georgia schools and universities.
Both Helms, 74, and Wagner, 50, are longtime transgender activists. Helms, a Navy veteran, created the iconic transgender flag in 1999 and the Transgender American Veterans Association in 2003. Wagner is a writer and scientist known for her work in queer tech and LGBTQ+ health. After decades of advocacy, the two are facing growing concerns about their safety in the U.S.
“Initially we started out thinking that we could move to a blue state, but now, the way things are going and what’s happening in Los Angeles, even a blue state doesn’t seem safe,” Helms told Georgia Voice, referring to the mass arrests and deployment of the National Guard at protests against ICE’s mass deportations.
However, Helms says the couple are more fearful of the actions of Trump supporters who may feel empowered to directly threaten the couple’s safety and livelihood.
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After visiting Costa Rica last month, Helms and Wagner decided the country – which has an inclusive legal landscape and protections for LGBTQ+ people, as well as no military – would make a safer home for them. Costa Rica has legal same-sex marriage and anti-discrimination protections and allows trans people to have accurate identity documents and seek gender-affirming care.
“In May, we went and visited Costa Rica for about six days, and we fell in love with it. It’s a beautiful place with great people,” Helms said. “We said, ‘Okay, this is where we need to move to, but we don’t have sufficient funds to do that.”
The couple are seeking support from the community through GoFundMe to raise funds to assist in their relocation and rebuilding their lives in Costa Rica.
“I feel pretty bad about asking people for money, but we’re trying to save our lives,” Helms said.
Helms and Wagner insist they are not running away but are instead “relocating with purpose” so they can continue their advocacy without fear. Wagner plans on starting a blog to inform other trans Americans about seeking Costa Rica for refuge, and the couple hopes to further support other trans expatriates in Costa Rica.
“When Darlene and I move, we will not be abandoning our activism,” Helms said. “We feel that other people may need or want to come to Costa Rica as well, and if we’re there, we could hopefully save other people from this tragedy that’s happening in our country.”
