cross-posted from: https://lemmy.blahaj.zone/post/19533880
"OutFront has worked with people from 20 states, including states like Texas and Missouri, along the Interstate 35 corridor and southeast states Florida, Tennessee and Georgia, Rohn said.
Minnesota’s relatively strong job market and economy are a draw for those seeking access to care"
Due to confounding factors, I can only say this is probably a good statement for those arriving with some savings, or had the time to find a job before the move. I have not had this level of luck myself, but this is the first city I've ever lived in where I have felt a desire to set down roots.*
"A November attack on two trans women at a light rail station in downtown Minneapolis, with cheers from onlookers, deterred a few people Charley spoke with who had been considering a move to Minnesota. He said it was hard on many members of the Twin Cities Transplant group.
“To me, (bystanders cheering) was the most devastating part,” Charley said.
A place to call home
Housing is a considerable obstacle for many transplants — the housing crisis in the Twin Cities affects everybody, but the absence of a dedicated LGBTQ+ shelter is a risk for anyone relocating without guaranteed access to housing, Charley said.
“And you can’t sleep in your car,” Charley said. “I talked to a transplant last year who was talking about doing anything to get out of Texas and mentioned in February living in a car.”
Charley said the “Catch-22” of finding a job without a local address is another challenge because employers might eliminate out-of-state applicants. To secure an apartment, one needs a job and proof of income, he said."
I don't know for sure if I am the actual person this interviewee said they had spoken to, but I may be since every description fits, and am willing to share and answer and questions you may have down in the comments.
To start off with what was mentioned in the article:
There actually are dedicated services for unhoused younger transpeople (the oldest age that is included by any of the groups is 25).
I have been living in my vehicle at various areas around the MN metro since bailing on Texas becoming a decent place July 4th weekend 2023 (more detail im the comments)
I have had 0 interactions with anyone here that made me feel LESS safe due to my identity or presentation. And after learning some terrifying lessons on some things to not do, I haven't had any interactions at all overnight with the exception of 1 police check up every 1-2 months for the last year...(notes and qualifying stuff in comments)
If you are wondering If Minneapolis, or Minnesota overall, is worth the move, then I would say yes to anyone with a well laid plan and a small savings for comfort.
And you're saftey is at risk because you live in the worst areas, I can say 1.5 years of car life in MN has without a doubt been way better for my mental, physical, and spiritual help than 1.5 years back in texas under even a million dollar roof(frankly because I'd be hanging from it one way or another long before the year mark)
Once I purchased a house I had the same goal starting with my neighborhood. I started with the Seek app which allows you to take a picture of a plant and it will identify. I used it whenever I walk around my block and my house. Start with the ones you see the most. Start with plants since they are static and most common. Start with flowers since those are the most distinctive and easiest to identify via the app.
If you are really interested there are a few books that I found very interesting. First would be a foraging / herbalism book for your region. I can't recommend what that is since I only know for the Upper Midwest in the USA. I found I could remember a plant best if I knew what it was for and could interact with it. (I.e. use it or eat it)
The second is Weeds: in defence of Nature's Most Unloved Plants. If you live anywhere where other people live you will mostly see "weeds" the most human plant. The author is from England so it might not be about all your weeds but they are global travelers so you will see lots of overlap. It's a fun long term project. Good luck