Fact Check: "Cordes' relocation raises alarms about LGBTQ+ safety in the U.S."
What We Know
Rep. Mari Cordes, a Vermont lawmaker, announced her relocation to Nova Scotia, Canada, citing personal and political reasons, including concerns for her safety as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Cordes has expressed that she has feared for her safety since the beginning of Donald Trump's presidency, receiving two death threats during her tenure as a representative (VTDigger). Her decision to move reflects a broader trend among LGBTQ+ individuals who are increasingly concerned about their safety and rights in the U.S., with many citing the sociopolitical climate as a significant factor in their decision to relocate (USA Today).
A recent survey of LGBTQIA+ conservation professionals revealed that feelings of safety and belonging were significantly lower for LGBTQIA+ respondents compared to their non-LGBTQIA+ counterparts, with reports of bullying and discrimination being common (Perspectives on inclusion). This data underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in various professional and social settings in the U.S.
Analysis
The claim that Cordes' relocation raises alarms about LGBTQ+ safety in the U.S. is supported by her personal experiences and broader trends within the LGBTQ+ community. Cordes' fears of safety, exacerbated by political rhetoric and personal threats, illustrate a significant concern among LGBTQ+ individuals regarding their well-being in the current sociopolitical environment (VTDigger).
Moreover, the survey findings from the LGBTQIA+ conservation community indicate that many individuals feel unsafe and marginalized in their professional environments, which aligns with Cordes' experiences. The reported 50% lower feelings of safety among LGBTQIA+ respondents compared to non-LGBTQIA+ individuals highlight systemic issues that contribute to a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in the U.S. (Perspectives on inclusion).
Additionally, the growing trend of LGBTQ+ individuals relocating for safety reasons is corroborated by various sources that discuss the sociopolitical climate's impact on LGBTQ+ rights and safety (USA Today, Newsweek).
In evaluating the reliability of these sources, VTDigger is a reputable local news outlet, while USA Today and Newsweek are established national publications. The survey published in the Perspectives on Inclusion is a peer-reviewed study, adding to its credibility.
Conclusion
The claim that Cordes' relocation raises alarms about LGBTQ+ safety in the U.S. is True. Cordes' personal experiences of fear and threats, combined with broader survey data indicating systemic issues of safety and belonging for LGBTQ+ individuals, reinforce the validity of this claim. The evidence suggests that many LGBTQ+ individuals feel increasingly unsafe in the U.S., prompting relocations to more accepting environments.
