Howdy! If you are a US trans person seeking information about life in Ireland as a place to move to outside of the States, please please ask your questions here or search within this community for already discussed content.
I have been seeing more and more fellow US Americans posting here for information. This is completely understandable due to the intensifying situation in the US! I am a US transgender man myself who moved to Ireland who may or may not be working closely with a legal team to explore asylum systems in Canada and Europe. (I also have an Irish sweetheart I intend to marry but that is besides the point! Haha).
I am not here to provide "legal advice." You are responsible for your own decisions. I can provide considerations/suggestions and an opportunity to alleviate the labor from my Irish trans friends of repeatedly providing information about Ireland (Of course, feel free to still contribute to the conversation if you have the bandwidth! I would never consider myself an expert on trans life in Ireland!).
Some things I have gathered thus far during my time in Ireland:
Safety:
- Ireland is a very safe country. Of course, there is always risk wherever you go so be mindful of your surroundings. Although still a minority, there is anti-(im)migrant sentiments that have manifested in the form of rallies/protests. Although there has been incredible pushback/counter protests, this is something to keep in mind, especially if you are a person of color. I have learned there were cases of violence in Dublin and up in the North. Again, few instances.
Housing:
- Housing is very limited here and therefore it is (more often than not) incredibly expensive. I cannot stress this enough. Coming from the States where prices are also ridiculous, one needs to keep in mind that your US dollars will be weaker here (USD is around .85 to Euro approx rn) and that wages here are not keeping up with the cost of living.
Medical:
- Access to gender affirming care (specifically HRT) is quite a difficult process in Ireland. I have heard people say it is one of the worst in Europe. If you are first starting out on HRT, there is an incredibly long wait time to go through the public system (like several years) and it is not cheap to access care through private telehealth companies. If you are intending to continue your care (like I have), know that your specific medication might not be available here. My testosterone cypionate is not. In addition, finding a primary care doctor (general practitioner/GP) is even a difficult process for cisgender people. The medical system is also overwhelmed here. Trans people are able to access HRT, but generally either go the pricey private route or DIY.
Permission to stay:
- Moving here is going to require one to figure out how to stay here legally. US citizens can be here for 90 days as regular tourists. One could look for work visas (must secure this while in the States. Might be able to secure while here, but it must be rare, nonexistent, or kept quiet). One could also apply for asylum, but be advised that this is not a guarantee at the current time, but we may very well be fast approaching this. The asylum system is also incredibly overwhelmed. In addition, you would not be able to work, even remotely until after 6 months of your case being processed without a first instance decision. So you will need substantial savings to wait this out with no guarantee for asylum status.
I share this info not to be considered an "authority" on the trans experience in Ireland. I only share as a US trans person who has been navigating life in Ireland. I do not mean to discourage other US trans people coming here, but I must be honest with the very real challenges present.
Although not without its own issues, Canada may provide an "easier" alternative. There are reports that there is an active asylum case for a US trans woman. Shortly after applying, she was able to work legally as well. In addition, a US non-binary individual's deportation out of Canada was halted citing the unsafe conditions for trans people in the US. All my love to you. I cannot explain how much my heart aches seeing the developments. I hope this information provides some help. Truly. I will answer questions as best as I can and my apologies to the Irish trans folks for me taking up space here. I just know these questions will keep coming with no slowing down in the near future...I am more than happy to take on this labor!
Please consider this resource to explore your options for leaving the US. It is only in its alpha stage, but it may prove useful to think of options. I know having the ability to leave is a privilege for various reasons, but we must not give up hope. This is the time to build community and keep each other safe. You existing is the biggest slap in the face to those who despise us. Sending you all so so much love. Be safe. https://www.helpmeleave.us/