Moving My Trans Dragons (Kids) to Safety

Hi, I’m a single mom raising three incredible kids—my dragons. We’re a tight unit. We keep each other laughing, we celebrate each other’s weirdness, and we show up for one another no matter what. My dragons are funny, smart, and most importantly, compassionate and fiercely authentic.

But since two of them were born with the wrong parts (transgender), we are now being targeted by our state government and neighbors in our small town. The cover photo is from the recent KC Pride Parade I volunteer for, it was pouring rain but my dragons barely noticed the weather.

Things got especially real after the 2024 election. We had a sign in our front yard that said, “Love Your Neighbor.” Harmless, right? But not long after, a utility marking crew came through and—just feet from our front door—spray-painted “TRUMP WON” directly on the lawn. Same paint. Same crew. Same day. Same writing as their legitimate markings just a few feet away on the sidewalk. (See pics)

I reported it to the police and the company. The manager came out, swore it wasn’t his crew. But it clearly was. I had the police come out and filed a criminal report. I told the responding officer and the detective who took over the case that it made me feel like our safety was being threatened so I wanted to press charges.

It's a small town, the detectives aren't exactly swamped, yet I haven't heard anything in 7 months, despite asking to be kept updated.

Recently, both of my trans kids have decided they are ready to begin gender-affirming hormone treatment—but we can’t do that here. Missouri has already banned that care for youth, and they’re working to take it away from adults too. Families like mine are being forced out—because staying means risking more than just our rights. The threats of a CPS call in this state are very real.

We’re planning to move to Colorado, a state that not only protects trans rights, but celebrates queer families. According to the Human Rights Campaign’s 2023 State Equality Index, Missouri ranks in the lowest tier—“High Priority to Achieve Basic Equality.” Colorado ranks in the highest.

We’re not asking for pity—we’re asking for a chance.

A chance to live somewhere that supporting my kids doesn’t risk me losing them.

A chance to raise my dragons in a place where they’re celebrated, not targeted.

A chance to build a life where a simple yard sign saying Love Your Neighbor doesn’t paint a target on our backs.

---

What Your Support Will Help With:

A down payment on a modest home

Moving and relocation expenses

Emergency buffer while we get settled

---

Every share, every donation, every kind word gets us closer to safety.

Thank you for helping us protect our fierce little family of dragons.