The World's Safest Cities for Trans People

A new study conducted by the online community ts-dating.com sheds light on the safety and quality of life for trans* individuals across major global cities. The Trans Safety Index 2024 provides a comprehensive analysis of critical factors such as legal gender recognition, anti-discrimination protections, hate speech laws, and healthcare access. The findings highlight cities that have made significant progress in ensuring safety and equality for trans* people—and those that still lag behind.

Why This Index Matters: A Call to Action

The Trans Safety Index 2024 coincides with the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20), a day dedicated to honoring victims of anti-trans violence worldwide. While the day serves as a somber reflection on the challenges trans* people face, the Index shifts focus to solutions: identifying cities and regions where progress has been made and amplifying the call for global improvements in safety, legal protection, and healthcare access.

Top Cities for Trans Safety in 2024*

1. Vancouver – A Near-Perfect Score (97/100)

Leading the list is Vancouver, Canada, with an impressive score of 97 out of 100. The city excels across all evaluated categories, including legal gender recognition, anti-discrimination protections, and access to high-quality healthcare. British Columbia’s progressive policies further solidify Vancouver's standing as a beacon of inclusivity. Trans* activist Celeste Trianon praised the region's leadership: "British Columbia is a trailblazer in trans rights. From removing gendered language in laws to ensuring medical and legal transitions are accessible, the province sets a global standard."

2. Cologne – Europe’s Shining Example (85/100)

Cologne ranks as Europe’s safest city for trans* individuals. Known for its vibrant LGBT+ community and strong organizational support, Cologne earned high scores for anti-discrimination laws and community presence. Organizations like Deutsche Aidshilfe and Rubicon play a vital role in supporting trans* rights, making the city a leader on the continent.

3. New York City – Leading North America (83/100)

New York City secures third place with robust legal protections, progressive gender recognition laws, and exceptional healthcare services. As a cultural and activist hub, NYC remains at the forefront of trans* advocacy, though disparities persist in smaller U.S. cities.

Regional Highlights

North America: Progress and Inequality

While cities like Vancouver, New York, and Montreal dominate the top ranks, the U.S. presents a mixed picture. Cities such as Chicago (4th, 82 points) and Los Angeles (8th, 76 points) offer strong protections, but many conservative states still fail to meet basic standards for trans* safety.

Canada stands out as a global leader, with both Vancouver and Montreal securing top positions, reflecting the country’s national commitment to LGBTQ2I rights.

Germany: A Tale of Two Extremes

Germany sees mixed results. While Cologne shines as Europe’s frontrunner, cities like Munich (9th, 76 points), Berlin (11th, 70 points), and Hamburg (14th, 67 points) face ongoing challenges. Despite active LGBT* organizations and generally progressive attitudes, issues such as rising violence in Berlin highlight the need for continued progress.

Europe’s Unexpected Laggards

Surprisingly, cities traditionally viewed as progressive—like Amsterdam (19th, 46 points) and Vienna (20th, 45 points)—rank far lower than expected. Both cities lack adequate legal measures to protect trans* individuals, underscoring the need for renewed focus on safety and equality.

At the bottom of the list is Rome (25th, 5 points), which scores poorly across all categories. Italy’s failure to provide legal recognition or protection leaves trans* individuals highly vulnerable.

The Path Forward: Bridging the Gaps

The Trans Safety Index 2024 provides a sobering yet hopeful look at the global state of trans* safety. While cities like Vancouver and Cologne set benchmarks for others to follow, many regions still lack essential protections.

The study underscores that trans* safety requires a multi-faceted approach:

• Robust legal frameworks for gender recognition and anti-discrimination.
• Community support systems led by LGBT* organizations.
• Access to affordable, trans-inclusive healthcare.

By identifying strengths and weaknesses across global cities, the Index serves as a roadmap for policymakers, activists, and communities to ensure trans* individuals can live safely, freely, and equally—no matter where they are.

Methodology

The Trans Safety Index 2024 evaluated 25 metropolitan areas based on:

• Number of LGBT organizations*
• Legal gender recognition laws
• Anti-discrimination and hate speech protections
• Access to trans-inclusive healthcare

Data was standardized per capita to ensure fair comparisons. Sources include city government websites, the Trans Rights Map, and Equaldex.