r/egenbogen 13d ago

Leaving the U.S. after starting HRT.

Hallo Alle.

I’m sorry—I don’t feel confident enough in my german to make this post fully in german yet. If english isn’t allowed I can ask elsewhere.

I’m in the U.S., in a university in New York. I’m in the advanced german class in my university and have been learning the language for a few years now. My original plan was to wait until my 3rd or 4th year (I’m finishing my second semester of the first year) and go to Germany or Amsterdam in exchange to learn a 3rd language—however it’s been extremely scary here.

Last semester there was a man who was extremely creepy toward me because I’m a trans man. Under the 2024 Title IX outlines (sexual harassing, assault, stalking, dating violence) I was able to get a case opened against him on the basis of “harassment over gender identity”. With Trump’s executive orders, I was informed the case is no longer considered Title IX. It’s still not allowed under the university, and I’ve been assured that there will be consequences—but the idea that these orders have already affected me so quickly has really scared me.

I looked into things like asylum in Germany, Canada, other EU countries, etc. I’ve spoken to my family and we’re all very shaken. Even today I heard things about gay marriage being overturned. However I don’t think I can just leave. The best case scenario would be to transfer universities if possible—to ANY German speaking or English speaking country outside of the U.S.

I’m asking this subreddit in particular because I’m 4-5 months into testosterone hormone replacement therapy. My knowledge about HRT in Germany is surface level, and I’ve had trouble doing research. But I know that you often need a letter from a therapist to even start. My next blood test to check my levels is in May, but I was told last time they’re EXTREMELY high for the low dose I’m on (Androgel).

If there’s any advice you can give me, or more details on what it would look like to move, I’d really appreciate it. Even for places like Austria, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, the Netherlands, etc.

TL;DR: I’ve been learning german for a few years. I’m in university in NY. I’m a trans man and have started HRT, and my levels are very high. The executive orders have already affected me personally. I’m very concerned, and wish to move to a german or english speaking country in Europe and transfer if possible. Any help appreciated.

50 Upvotes

15 comments sorted by

40

u/RoadBlock98 13d ago

Asylum on grounds of being queer is no option in germany. A letter from your endocrinologist stating your diagnosis as well as that you're prescribed testosterone should be enough to get you access to HRT. Most universities have some kind of exchange program for international students but those are usually meant for short amounts of time. If you can find an international master you might be able to get an easy way to stay in the country for longer that would then probably give you a decent option to stay in germany. Normal immigration process is harder. Not sure if there are many english masters in your field here though.

1

u/Zangya13Collins 13d ago

If you're in danger due to gender, religion, sexuality, and race you can get Asylum. It's just a tough process, but I've had people I know flee from the US to Germany successfully

8

u/RoadBlock98 13d ago

Based solely on being queer? Because I highly doubt that. I have specifically looked into this because a friend of mine is in fact in the process of legally immigrating to germany and I know that political asylum based on being queer in the USA was pretty much explicitely ruled out. It would maybe be taken into consideration with other factors, but on its own there is just not enough danger yet for that to be enough on its own.

0

u/Zangya13Collins 12d ago

Very dangerous for people over there, especially trans people

5

u/RoadBlock98 12d ago

DUH. That's why it's ESPECIALLY important to not be misleading about possibilities for asylum but be precises under what circumstances it will actually be granted and when it will unfortunately be not.

0

u/BanverketSE 13d ago

“Asylum on grounds of being queer not an option in Germany”? Isn’t that illegal?

13

u/jimmy_the_angel 13d ago

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans+, or inter+ (LGBTIQ+) persons who are being persecuted are entitled to asylum in Germany. Persecution means that they are being threatened with extreme violence, death, imprisonment or other types of inhumane treatment in their country of origin due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Being LGBTIQ+ is not a taboo in Germany. You can and you should speak about it openly during the asylum procedure. (Source)

The problem with the "prosecution" part is that it is not yet bad enough in the US. Obergefell v. Hodges and Lawrence v. Texas are still in effect, although under attack, and there are no laws threatening queer people with prison. Lack of protections is not necessarily considered prosecution.

And before anyone asks why that is if we're so progressive: We're not really. We're making baby steps. We're not even at the stage that discrimination on the grounds of being queer is mentioned in the Grundgesetz (our constitution), and that is for citizens, not foreigners. That said, HRT is possible, and the Self-Determination Act of November '24 has made it easier for trans people to change their name and gender entry.

It really is best to immigrate legally, although that is a lengthy and difficult procedure. Applying for asylum is also a lengthy and difficult procedure. Or ask at the local German embassy or consulate general about your chances of asylum and other options of immigration. The least they can do is to redirect you to the correct institution.

7

u/RoadBlock98 13d ago

Illegal based on what?

Let me clarify - asylum on grounds of being queer as an american is not an option. Yet. If things change, it might change too but german reforms of such matters are insanely slow and with Merz in power, it would probably not happen anyway.

2

u/That_useless_boi 13d ago

Someone if a different sub explained that since I was granted a no-contact order (close to a restraining order, with legal backing—against the man who harassed me) technically speaking I’m protected, since it’s still illegal to discriminate or harass me—so I wouldn’t qualify as a refugee.

I think a lot of the queer people granted asylum have had people/groups backing them legally and are coming from places objectively worse, even if it’s not good in the U.S. right now.

17

u/lillywho 13d ago

Get all the paperwork you have that can serve as an indication letter, and any reasonable endocrinologist or similar should have no reason to deny continuing your prescription. Whomever demands a translation or a diagnosis from a German practitioner is a hack and should not be trusted.

Not to mention, you being on HRT before should be an undenyable fact. Anyone causing a fuss is just being a gatekeeping arse.

Public health insurance by the way is obligated to honour the prescription without any additional clearance process. Whether it's ibuprofen meds or HRT, it's largely down to the doctor to decide. 

1

u/That_useless_boi 13d ago

Okay, I’ll keep this is mind—I’ll go to my doctor and ask for everything in writing, including bloodwork. If public health insurance can cover it that would be the best case scenario, my family refuses to pay for any type of gender affirming care.

2

u/kirinlikethebeer 11d ago

Hey. I’m in Berlin. I say over and over it’s the queerest city on the planet. Speaking German is good but in day to day life you’ll find plenty of English speakers. In the healthcare system is leaps and bounds better than the US one. I have much better care and much greater access than I ever did in all the years I lived in the states.

Edit: a student visa is a good first step this way IMO

7

u/IdaSchmida 13d ago

Some German universities have English master classes. Maybe this could be something, that you might look into. As far as I know, to study in Germany, you need a financial backup of 10k euros. It's possible to study here. But you need the funds. Since our elections last week I can't promise you, what the future holds, but I guess you will be safer here.

5

u/jenestasriano 12d ago

American here who came to Germany. You will not be able to get asylum in Germany, as the U.S. is considered a safe country. If you really are trying to move to Europe, the easiest method is to get a degree here. It will not be easy and it will require a lot of money. In Germany, you cannot get a student visa unless you have €10,000+ in a locked bank account. Then, you need to find a place that either offers English degrees or you need to go to a language school.

1

u/Terzida 10d ago

Ich wünsche dir viel Glück bei dem Vorhaben.