The
Multiverse
School

Part VI: Appendices

Emigration Resources: Getting Out

When It's Time to Leave

If you're LGBTQ+, a targeted minority, or otherwise in danger in the United States, this guide helps you prepare to leave.

Your safety comes first. Everything else is secondary.

International Recognition

The Dutch government has reclassified the US as not a safe country. The EU is voting on similar classification.

This means:

  • Official international recognition that the US is unsafe
  • May make asylum/refugee applications easier for Americans
  • Other countries acknowledge the crisis
  • Could affect visa acceptance and refugee processing

The international community sees what's happening. You're not overreacting.

Current Situation (Nov 2025)

International mail to the US is shut down. Trump tariffs broke international mail agreements. Most suppliers won't ship to the US anymore. This affects:

  • DIY HRT shipments (not arriving reliably)
  • Medications from international pharmacies
  • International packages in general

Information is heavily manipulated. You can't find protests or organizing on Google. Feeds are controlled. This means:

  • Research visas/emigration using VPN + multiple sources
  • Trust peer networks over official channels
  • Verify information through international sources
  • Use encrypted communication (Signal, not regular text)

Leave before it gets harder. Borders could close. Assets could be frozen. Your demographic could be restricted from travel.

GTFO Meeting

Currently paused. This meeting isn't running right now. Watch luma.com/MultiverseSchool for when it comes back.

When it runs, it's the Multiverse community's weekly emigration planning meeting, where we:

  • Share visa strategies
  • Research destination countries
  • Support each other through the process
  • Pool resources and information
  • Help each other stay safe

You don't have to do this alone.

Note: Focus on safety first. Multiverse is online - you can take classes from Thailand, Portugal, Mexico, or anywhere else in the world. Leave if you need to.

Essential Resources

Help Me Leave - Resource Hub for American Refugees

Help Me Leave - Created by people in the UK for Americans seeking safety abroad

This comprehensive site provides:

  • Immediate assistance - Resources for leaving NOW
  • Medium-term planning - For 2-6 month preparation timeline
  • Exploratory resources - Research your options
  • Interactive map - Explore destination countries

The fact that people in other countries are creating resources for American refugees should tell you how serious this is.

"On Fleeing: A Queer Person's Workbook"

All emigration resources: https://tr.ee/kqykEpLW34

Direct PDF download: On Fleeing Workbook

This workbook helps you:

  • Assess your safety and urgency
  • Plan timing and logistics
  • Choose destination countries
  • Prepare financially
  • Handle documentation
  • Make the decision about when to go

Print double-sided and work through it carefully.

Should You Leave?

You might need to leave if:

Immediate danger:

  • Active threats to your safety
  • Violence or harassment escalating
  • Lists being made of people like you
  • Government targeting your community
  • Unable to access healthcare you need to survive
  • In danger from family, community, or state

Strategic timing:

  • Before borders close
  • Before assets are frozen
  • Before it becomes illegal to leave
  • While you still have passport/documentation
  • Before your demographic is restricted from travel

You might be able to stay if:

  • You have strong support networks
  • You're in a protective location/community
  • You have resources to fight/resist
  • You're already underground/under radar
  • Leaving would put you in more danger

Only you can assess your own risk.

Destination Countries

LGBTQ+-Friendly Countries (as of 2025)

Note: Research current conditions - political situations change rapidly.

Europe:

  • Portugal - Relatively affordable, LGBTQ+ friendly, easier visa paths
  • Spain - Strong LGBTQ+ protections, digital nomad visa
  • Germany - Good protections, harder language barrier
  • Netherlands - Very LGBTQ+ friendly, expensive
  • Ireland - English-speaking, EU access
  • Malta - Small, LGBTQ+ friendly

Americas:

  • Canada - Close, English/French, expensive, harder immigration
  • Mexico - Close, affordable, growing digital nomad community
  • Uruguay - Progressive, LGBTQ+ friendly, Spanish
  • Argentina - Buenos Aires has large LGBTQ+ community

Asia-Pacific:

  • Thailand - Large expat community, affordable, visa options
    • TRANS HEALTHCARE: Thai government invested 145M baht (US$4.3M) to provide HRT to 200,000 trans people
    • Informed consent expanding - General practitioners can now prescribe hormones
    • Community: Large trans community, especially Bangkok
    • Best option for accessible trans healthcare
  • Taiwan - First in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage
  • New Zealand - English-speaking, remote, expensive

Consider:

  • Language requirements
  • Cost of living
  • Healthcare access (especially for trans people)
  • Visa pathways available to you
  • Existing LGBTQ+ community
  • Political stability
  • Climate/geography

Visa Pathways

Common Options

Digital Nomad Visas:

  • Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Greece, Estonia, many others
  • Require proof of remote income
  • Usually 1-2 year initial permits
  • Can sometimes lead to permanent residency

Student Visas:

  • Enroll in university programs
  • Often allows work part-time
  • Can transition to work visa after graduation
  • May require proof of funds

Freelance/Self-Employment Visas:

  • Germany (Freiberufler)
  • Netherlands (Self-employed person)
  • Requires business plan and proof of income/savings

Skilled Worker Visas:

  • If you have in-demand tech skills
  • Requires job offer usually
  • Fastest path in many countries

Refugee/Asylum:

  • Last resort - process is difficult and lengthy
  • May be only option if you need to leave immediately
  • Research UNHCR procedures

Partner/Marriage Visas:

  • If you have partner who is citizen/resident elsewhere
  • Can be faster pathway
  • Same-sex marriage recognized in many countries

Resources for Visa Research

⚠️ Use VPN and verify through multiple sources - US information is manipulated

  • Government immigration websites of target countries (check from outside US if possible)
  • r/IWantOut (Reddit) - emigration advice community
  • Nomad List - Digital nomad visa information
  • ILGA World - LGBTQ+ legal info by country
  • International sources - Trust info from outside the US
  • Peer networks - Other people who have successfully left

Financial Preparation

Minimum Financial Checklist

Before you leave:

  • [ ] 6+ months living expenses in portable form
  • [ ] Cryptocurrency or international bank accounts
  • [ ] Important documents digitized and backed up
  • [ ] Passport valid (2+ years remaining)
  • [ ] Any required documentation apostilled
  • [ ] Credit cards that work internationally
  • [ ] Remote income source established (if possible)

Protect your assets:

  • Open accounts in destination country before you need them
  • Don't keep all money in US banks (could be frozen)
  • Consider cryptocurrency for portability
  • Get international health insurance
  • Transfer prescriptions/medical records

What to Take

Priority Documents (Physical + Digital)

Essential (carry on person):

  • Passport
  • Backup ID
  • Cash in multiple currencies
  • Credit/debit cards
  • Phone with international service
  • Important medications (with prescriptions)

Digitize everything:

  • Birth certificate
  • Education transcripts/diplomas
  • Medical records
  • Vaccination records
  • Passport/ID (encrypted backup)
  • Bank account info
  • Insurance policies
  • Prescription information
  • Contact list

Use encrypted cloud storage - multiple backups.

What to Leave Behind

  • Most physical possessions (ship later if needed)
  • Anything that connects you to activities they might target you for
  • Assume anything left behind could be searched

Healthcare Considerations

For Trans People

⚠️ CRITICAL: International mail to US is shut down. If you need HRT, prioritize leaving or stockpiling from US sources NOW.

Thailand is the best destination for trans healthcare:

  • Thai government providing HRT to 200,000 trans people (145M baht investment)
  • Informed consent model expanding nationwide
  • General practitioners can prescribe hormones
  • Surgery options available and affordable
  • Large, established trans community (especially Bangkok)
  • Many tech workers emigrating there specifically for trans healthcare

Research BEFORE you go:

  • Hormone access (prescription requirements, informed consent availability)
  • Surgery availability and costs
  • Legal name/gender marker change processes
  • Discrimination protections
  • Whether your target country recognizes your gender
  • Use VPN and international sources - US feeds are manipulated

Bring with you:

  • 6+ months of hormones (if possible)
  • All medical records (digitized and encrypted)
  • Current prescriptions
  • Letters from providers
  • Backup medications

Resources:

  • Global Trans Rights Map - check legal status (verify with international sources)
  • Trans-friendly healthcare directories for destination countries
  • WPATH provider directory (international)
  • r/TransDIY for current mail shipping status

For Disabled People

  • Research healthcare system in destination
  • Accessibility of housing/transportation
  • Disability benefits/support available
  • Medical equipment availability
  • Caregiver visa options if needed

For Everyone

  • Get vaccinations required for destination
  • International health insurance (before you go)
  • Research healthcare costs
  • Get prescriptions filled before departure
  • Carry medical summary in English + destination language

Safety Planning

Before You Leave

Operational security:

  • Don't announce plans publicly (especially not on manipulated feeds)
  • Deactivate social media or go dark
  • Use encrypted communication (Signal, NOT regular text/email)
  • Don't tell people who might report you
  • Research what you can legally take out
  • Use VPN for all emigration research
  • Verify info through international sources (US feeds are controlled)
  • Trust peer networks over official channels

Legal considerations:

  • Check if you're allowed to leave (debts, custody, criminal matters)
  • Understand extradition agreements
  • Know what happens to your obligations when you leave
  • Consult immigration lawyer if possible

Once You're Out

First priorities:

  • Register with local government if required
  • Open local bank account
  • Get local SIM card/phone number
  • Find housing
  • Register for healthcare
  • Find LGBTQ+ community/resources
  • Establish routine and support

Stay safe:

  • Don't post location on social media
  • Be careful who you tell about immigration status
  • Know your rights in new country
  • Find legal resources for immigrants
  • Connect with expat/refugee communities

For Those Who Can't Leave

If you can't leave now:

Survival strategies:

  • Go stealth if you can
  • Build local safety networks
  • Stockpile medications
  • Have go-bag ready
  • Use encrypted communications
  • Join mutual aid networks
  • Know your escape routes

Resources:

Common Questions

"When should I leave?" Before you have to. If you're asking, start preparing now.

"What if I can't afford it?" Look into:

  • Mutual aid funds
  • LGBTQ+ refugee assistance organizations
  • Work-exchange programs
  • Cheaper destination countries (Southeast Asia, Latin America)
  • Community fundraising

"What about my family?" Only you can decide. Your safety matters. They can visit. Or they can come too.

"I don't speak another language." Many countries have English-speaking expat communities. You can learn. Survival is good motivation.

"What if I'm not sure?" Prepare anyway. Better to have options you don't use than need options you don't have.

Additional Resources

Organizations:

  • Rainbow Railroad - Helps LGBTQ+ people flee violence
  • UNHCR - UN refugee agency
  • ILGA World - Legal info by country

Communities:

  • r/IWantOut (Reddit)
  • Digital nomad communities
  • Country-specific expat forums
  • LGBTQ+ expat groups

Information:

  • Nomad List (visa info, cost of living)
  • ILGA World (LGBTQ+ rights by country)
  • State Department travel advisories (grain of salt)

Remember

You are not abandoning anything. You are choosing to live.

There is no shame in leaving. There is no shame in surviving.

Your community goes with you. We're all over the world.

Take care of yourself. We need you alive.

See Also:

You're not alone in this.

The handbook is written in the open. See this page on GitHub.

Ask the handbook

Ask about refunds, rescheduling, the code of conduct, campus, or anything else in the handbook. Answers come only from the handbook text.