Panic in Hollywood after Trump victory: Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi show the way; here are other LGBTQ stars planning to move out of U.S

Trump's second term led to fear in the LGBTQ community in Hollywood; some consider emigration before Trump's second term draws closer. LGBTQ anxiety is on the rise, with gay couples racing to tie the knot and others even considering leaving the country altogether.

Ellen DeGeneres and her spouse, Portia de Rossi, moved from California to the Cotswolds in the United Kingdom before Trump was sworn in again, and they're not the only ones, as quoted in a report by The Wrap.

Laverne Cox, an Emmy-winning trans actress, told Variety that she and her friends are looking into cities in the Caribbean and Europe to find a safer place to live after the election. She is afraid, but she doesn't want to show it too much, she said.


Even with all of my privilege, she is afraid as a public figure, and especially afraid because of that, as she might be the target. They probably spent almost $100 million on anti-trans advertisements. It is extremely worrisome.
As a mother of two and a lesbian in a committed relationship, Kirsten Schaffer, executive director of Women in Film, told TheWrap that she is considering marriage.

She claimed that it keeps her up at night worrying about both herself and the larger community, particularly the transgender community. Last time, there were additional safeguards because Trump lacked the House, Senate, and judiciary.

According to a dozen LGBTQ people TheWrap spoke with, there are widespread concerns that Trump might implement some of the Project 2025 policies, such as removing the terms sexual orientation and gender identity from every piece of legislation that exists.

Others worry that the right to gay marriage might be challenged by the Supreme Court. Many expressed their fear of being singled out, especially since they are employed in the well-known entertainment industry.

In an explainer, Ma'ayan Anafi of the National Women's Law Centre stated, "This erasure isn't symbolic; it's part of a systematic effort to strip LGBTQI+ people of all legal protection from persecution, discrimination, and violence.

A poll in February showed nearly half of all transgender people were considering leaving the country. Searches for leaving the country surged after the election, with searches about moving to Canada, Mexico, Ireland, New Zealand, or Portugal dominating Google's Top 25 searches.

The trans community is more concerned than ever

Some people have considered leaving the U.S., but not everyone has the financial means to pick up and start over in another country. A unifying theme among the LGBTQ+ community is the desire to find a safe, inclusive future with possibilities. Some gay couples who did emigrate have become digital nomads, spending time in each country to work around visa limitations.

The LGBTQ community in the United States is experiencing a wait and see approach as the possibility of a second Trump term becomes more apparent. Some prominent gay members of the GOP, such as conservative Trump backer Peter Thiel and Treasury Secretary pick Scott Bessent, have expressed concerns about Trump's homophobic nature.

Hollywood publicists are unsure if the panic is justified, but they feel relatively safe in California. The trans community has more reason to worry, as nearly half of all transgender people are considering leaving the country due to anti-LGBTQ legislation.

Deborah Zahal, who immigrated to the U.S. 25 years ago, is searching for a safe haven for her transgender son Del, who is wary of leaving his queer friends behind. Following Trump's reelection, several corporations have expressed financial support for the former president, making them anxious to remain in the country.

FAQs

Why are some LGBTQ people considering leaving the United States following Trump's reelection?
Concerns about safety, anti-LGBTQ policies, and potential reductions in rights such as same-sex marriage and gender identity protections have sparked anxiety and emigration among LGBTQ people.

What are LGBTQ advocates doing in response to growing fears?
While some consider moving abroad, others, such as filmmakers and activists, intend to remain in the United States to resist through storytelling and advocacy, ensuring ongoing support for their community despite the challenges ahead.