Is Utah Still a Safe Place to Live?

[@GreatScotts]

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[@kaylapilon1447]

Why not rent for a year to see if you really like it and if it is not for you you can go home

[@Lisafrank6]

This is a great idea! I moved to Phoenix last March from Seattle WA and its totally not for me. I'm really looking forward to moving out of Phoenix asap

[@mrstudios010]

I'd be worried about the house being vandalized while away. If someone stays at the house in Utah, while you rent elsewhere it would be safer.

[@dustmite723]

@@mrstudios010that’s what they meant

[@metatechnologist]

Agreed they need to learn "the lay of the land."

[@rickeyamar1113]

Greetings, ladies! I reside in North County San Diego, even though I live alone in a rural area. Surprisingly, I’ve found my community to be incredibly loving and accepting of me for who I am. I am also a KZbin creator where I document my life as a 71-year-old, that happens to be a transgender woman. I wish you all the best!

[@5280Recreation]

Left Utah and moved to Colorado when we decided not to be Mormon and our kids were told “we wouldn’t be together forever”. Zero regrets and our kids have far more open minds and hearts. Personally no way to So Cal but don’t be afraid to take the leap like we did. Wait too long and you’ll wake up one day wondering why you didn’t do something sooner.

[@alinak9412]

finland is safe and the best environment for kids to grow up in. education, healthcare, taxes, everything just works and is the same for everyone. yall r always welcome here!

[@lutsi1477]

Agreed! I'd recommend any of the bigger cities here, cuz in the rural regions of Finland, it's kinda like what Amanda told about Utah where people tend to observe others and what they do all the time. Surely applies to the rural regions in most countries as well though haha

[@virginianielsen3480]

Would that be hard to get a visa though? I hear about people moving to Finland or Norway or other places and always wonder how difficult it is to qualify

[@Rainbowpandas]

Note that my comment may be biased because I’m Canadian and I’m not currently facing the political climate that you are. THAT BEING SAID, life is too short not to go on adventures and take new opportunities. One of my favourite quotes is “change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change”. I apply that quote to everything and it’s helped me make so many decisions, including a big move! Hope it helps you too!! 💙

[@RescueGirl]

Vermont is absolutely the best state my wife and I have ever lived! Seriously!

[@maggiepanning356]

I have no idea what the “right” answer is, but my first thought is that we are 8 days into this “administration” and if you feel safe, have a job, a home, family, friends, and community where you are I would stay (at least for now). This are so chaotic right now and I think that having consistency and safety is of the utmost importance when living through so much fear and uncertainty.

[@MariannaMujica]

They said in the video they don't think it will be safe for them to stay. Many of us would agree given his actions and bullseye he placed on the transgender community on his FIRST day.

[@Awrinautics6387]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@davidhorwood6741]

Really important that you and your family feel as safe as you can where you live. Renting before you buy is a great idea.

[@barbaragreen9480]

I have lived my whole 67 years in So CA, it’s home, there is so much to love about it. There are many safe areas in Orange County, as I’m sure there are many safe places in the state. I would keep your home and see if you like the area you pick for a year . Wishing you and your family all the best.

[@CalypsoMom]

Life long Utah resident here. Well for 47 years anyway...we moved last year! Salem, OR. Amazing place and 1 hour away from coastal towns, Portland,Or and very Trans friendly. Just been eye opening in a good way! Community is great here for us. It was best decision we ever made!

[@FatCat0403]

@CalypsoMom thank you for the info. Salem is a place we've been looking too. I just don't feel like it is safe for my son in Utah anymore.

[@MariannaMujica]

THIS!

[@birdlyword2]

I made the move from Utah to Eugene 20+ years ago. loved Oregon and my kids did too.

[@rosalindsong6803]

Our family is originally from Springdale, Utah, but has roots in Ireland, Scotland, and England, and we're making plans to permanently relocate to Ireland. My adult trans son is deaf and has been formally studying ASL, but wants to branch out to master Irish sign language. I'm planning to learn that and the regular Irish language and become an Irish citizen. Zion Canyon will always be my first home, but on a prior trip, I've experienced that Europe feels very much like home as well. Our family is concerned about the long-term stability of the U.S. and even without considering the diversity issue, we no longer feel safe in this country due to the severe political instability.

[@dianethulin1700]

I’m sorry that some of the best American citizens are leaving the country. You have to do what’s best for you and your family however. Good luck to you!

[@ButterflyMarie]

You two are amazing individuals, period. It is amazing that you share this journey with the world. Especially right now. I am excited to see this journey ❤ thank you

[@bencoim9468]

Shaye, you are literally glowing! So beautiful to see! So much love to your family, hope you find a choice that feels good for all of you!

[@literarypotatogoblin]

Bellingham, WA is absolutely beautiful. Our family considered moving there a few years ago, but then there was a massive flood. If you decide to look into it, make sure you check for flood zones. When it comes to Washington state in general, I'd say as a queer family, stay west of the mountains. We moved to east Washington because homes are a lot more affordable there, but it's a little too red for my taste personally. Lots of flags and bumper stickers supporting the orange one in the White House.

[@Peacebirdie]

Bellingham is a fabulous area. I grew up in SoCal, hated being in a crowded metropolis but appreciated having the diversity, then moved to NorCal after high school, thriving in the mountainous forests, spending 30 years in the SF Bay Area. The traffic and cost of living drove me to retire further north. The past 18 years I've enjoyed living in NE WA. There are small towns that are quite red, but the state will always trend blue so I feel safe here.

[@TheForestCrone]

This goes for Oregon as well. Stay west of the mountains!

[@blazefairchild465]

California mountains seem red as well, stayed on a mountain for a month in a cabin ,tiny village one meeting house/ pub diner / tiny store. Lots of pick- up trucks & hillbilly types. Not one rainbow flag in sight.

[@jur9254]

I think it's important for you guys to kinda brainstorm the pros and cons of moving out. Because in the video you gave many positives for living in UT. Just take your time, search more for other places, visit them, etc. Whatever makes the family happy, it's worth it. Much love ❤️❤️

[@valeriag9443]

From the LDS people I know they’re very polite like Amanda said and depending on the person they can be more understanding. However, I like the point that yall made that it’s also to add more diversity to your children’s lives.

[@philippawood5047]

Shaye, your voice sounds so lovely!! Beautiful to see you become your true self more and more - and that you and Amanda are taking the necessary steps to live your best and most authentic lives. Could Canada be an option for you, or elsewhere overseas? Very excited to see what you decide!

[@thompsoncindy42]

Times are so unsettled right now if feels like a scary time to make such a big change as moving to another state. My thoughts would be to stay in your home in Utah - keep that safe, home based. Travel to give your children the opportunity to have experiences to enrich their lives. It sounds like you have friends and a community there in Utah that may alleviate some of the stress. Moving may be the answer you need - eventually.

[@vanessaleblanc2583]

I agree. This is the most sensible approach and much better for the kids.

[@MariannaMujica]

Do you know that there are people on the right who are armed and ready for civil war? We liberals aren't doing that. And we're not fighters, we're lovers. Utah is homogeneous and extremely conservative. Especially now is when they need to be living in trans folk friendly places.

[@JessicaPurvis-o4d]

You mentioned Washington state, that Pacific North West is beautiful. My friends daughter is married to someone who transitioned. She was training as a counsellor to work with the trans community. That area and Oregon have traditionally been more liberal than the Southern states. That area would be a great place to continue raising your family.

[@Andrew_Warden]

When I was a kid, my dad had a job opportunity in northern CA. My parents weren't sure since our roots have always been in southern California, so they rented a home up north, and rented out our home here in SoCal. It wasn't for us, so we came back to our home after about a year or two. The downside is that Utah would be losing that sorely needed representation that you provide. But your sense of safety and security as a queer family in these times is invaluable. You need to feel protected.

[@JoystickQuebradooficial]

I’ve never been in US but definitely I’d say moving to another state would be healthy for the entire family, a new home in a more populated area and more queen friendly environment 🎉 you guys are ready for it! Good luck

[@MomtoZnE]

Shaye, I don’t know if you still work as a freelance filmmaker, but one thing to consider about Utah vs Southern California is being a big fish in a little sea vs a little fish in a big sea as far as the film industry goes, especially freelance.

[@unclegator]

I used to live in southern CA. I found no difference in people. They were no more friendly than in Philly. I have lived in SO FL and again no more friendly. I would stay put in that lovely house you have. If you have your heart set, keep your home, and rent temporarily. If you see CA is for you then make a decision. I personally don’t think you will be so enamored with CA after a period of time.

[@louilind4300]

I vote for adventure! I moved to a different country. My experience was very hard and exhausting but haven't regretted it or considered to move back even once. Moving is a huge change but your lives are changing so much right now anyways :)

[@orionspiritualarts]

All the love from San Diego ! We welcome you here😍

[@puffgunter]

Bellingham is gorgeous! I live in Mount Vernon, WA which is 20 minutes away. I hear it’s very eclectic and diverse! I moved here from Texas and I’m so happy

[@creativevitality]

Eugene Oregon is another great option if you don't want to go as far up as Bellingham! My sister lives there and has a great queer community. Wishing you two the best in whatever you decide.

[@CW-rt4sr]

If Amanda loves her job and the kids have a good school and you feel safe them walking to school, AND Shaye can continue to get the health care she needs... stay. For now. Visit CA. That might change, but, not yet.

[@sidroj7]

Stay put for now! There's no rush. If something comes up that feels right, that is when you make a move. Don't push it. You are in a good situation. You know where you are. You know nothing about where you might go. Just take your time!

[@elvihernandez3449]

Bellingham is beautiful and quirky. It is a college town that has a small town feel but has lots of diversity and culture. Close to Vancouver BC, the San Juan Islands and Seattle. My oldest daughter is a trans woman and I am so glad that she is living in western Washington…she has support and community. Best wishes 🧡

[@carsonjenkins2211]

Love your videos! I’m trans and was raised Mormon too so I really connect. You’ve helped me and my wife so much. I’m actually coming to Utah this weekend for a dental course. I know it’s a reach but it’d be really cool to connect!

[@lenthus]

Bellingham! I love living here and we do have an airport so its easy to fly out. I feel safe while transitioning.

[@andreanairvin7724]

I left this comment on your Instagram video but I will make it again if you are looking for a good place to even try out I would suggest Davis, CA it's a university town the schools are amazing. It is very progressive, it is a rather small city my nephew is 13 and bikes to Jr. high and his friends house with very little worry. My niece is 9 and next year she will be biking to her elementary school. Plus you will be close to San Francisco, Sacramento and Tahoe for some other adventures.

[@jodymooney255]

I came out to Washington for graduate school. I currently live in the middle of the state. I love Bellingham and its vibe! Plus, it’s close to Vancouver BC which is amazing. You could find more value in Bellingham than California. Although, it’s not California weather. Wishing you a wonderful journey!❤

[@jb2explore]

We’ve looked at Bellingham too; our best friends live there. It’s beautiful!!

[@susanyoung6579]

Best of luck to you both no matter where tomorrow finds you.

[@destin.marie.]

I can't wait for the Disneyland vlogs!

[@FatCat0403]

We are headed out of Utah as well. Good luck!

[@erzebetb]

please do not divulge where you move! go somewhere you can be rather invisible. stay out of sanctuary cities. please be safe. love to you.

[@jillsarah7356]

What is wrong with sanctuary cities?

[@erzebetb]

@@jillsarah7356 they are targeting them first.

[@Awrinautics6387]

@@erzebetbwell if you’re here illegally, bye bye!

[@erzebetb]

@@Awrinautics6387 what? who is talking illegals?

[@deniseknight7974]

Check out Menifee, north of the Temecula Valley wine country. An hour north of San Diego and less than an hour east of Disneyland. Outstanding school district in Murrieta next to us. Lakes and open spaces still at affordable prices. I grew up in OC and moved here 25 years ago. Love it!

[@veronicakleeberger7186]

You both are soo beautiful.. the fact that you are entertaining this thought is indication to me that change may be in the cards. Ultamitely it depends on what gives you the most peace. Sometimes we dont know til we walk thru the open door.. 🙏

[@jessicawild8753]

I love that you ladies are a Lume partner… My favorite is the rose scented one!!!!!!

[@summerlavender17]

There are so many lovely smaller communities in Southern California. I love Long Beach but there are so very many.

[@denisewalters1864]

I’ve lived in Long Beach Ca most of my adult life. It’s a very diverse community and ca is committed to keeping our LBGTQ population safe in this climate. Long Beach is very LGBTQ friendly. San Diego is amazing as well.

[@berglettemom6045]

This is probably the right time of year for Amanda to start applying for teaching jobs in the California university system, aiming for next fall.

[@yomintyfresh]

It would be nice if academic job searches were that simple. :( In academia, you go where jobs are and not the other way around. Generally, during your PhD research, you focus on a specific topic. Often, people work on related topics throughout the rest of their careers, but often don't branch out too much in terms of the era they're interested in. For example, if someone wrote a dissertation on 19th century feminism, they might branch out into research on 19th century dandy culture, 19th century fashion, early 20th century feminism, etc. In language departments (including English), a department tries to have experts covering major eras relevant to the language being taught. When academic jobs are advertised, they are not truly open to everyone with a PhD in that topic - a department wants someone who is in expert in a specific era, and will include that in their ads. There are some years where there might be 10 new PhDs specializing in a particular era who want to be professors, but only two departments actually hoping to hire someone. (Numbers there were made up, but not entirely exaggerated.) The job market is so tight in some fields that a few years ago, a friend quit her Ivy League doctorate program after the program was proud to announce that a freshly-minted PhD had gotten a tenure-track job at a community college in rural Kansas. My friend realized she wasn't willing to move someplace like rural Kansas just for the sake of having a job in academia. I have tenure ( = special job protections and seniority in academia), but ended up leaving the US. (In my case, it was OK - we now live near my partner's hometown.) I don't know Amanda or Amanda's background, but would imagine she would have to give up tenure and there is no guarantee that she would 1) be able to find a job in academia at all and/ or 2) get tenure again somewhere else if they move. For many academics, there's the question of what's more important - having a job or living somewhere they like?

[@nicokl5593]

I live in LA and love it. You guys would probably love it, I am sure you could teach here, there are many colleges.

[@robynolney630]

My husband and I live in Portugal, and I would encourage you to consider it an option. We love it, the medical care is wonderful, it's safe (I feel beyond comfortable walking alone at night as a woman) and visas are relatively easy to obtain. Plus the wine and pastries are so yummy!!!!

[@bebebrownsdollhaul6444]

I am having this love affair with the Midwest. I lived in Arizona all my life and now I love the four seasons. I live in liberal areas within the conservative states so I cannot comment on the merits of living in a more open minded place. I would say research your areas that top your list and vacation in them. Watch KZbin videos of driving around those places. Ultimately, it would seem hard to have all of what you have going for you there but adventure is a good motive too. Be sure to be careful and study what is happening to all these areas with the government changes. Also, check home insurance and environmental concerns too. Many insurance companies left areas due to storms and disasters.

[@laurenhelms1161]

I have been raising my family on the town i was raised in, and it terrifies me to see how much more negative my town has gotten as it’s gotten more red leaning. My husband and i are looking into the UK, as i have my citizenship.

[@deniz_bektas]

Western Australia “Perth” definitely the home for safe and quality life for family’s. I am trans myself and moved here 3 years ago to live with my hubby and my step kids. They do have a so many job opportunities here I am sure you can find and the weather and the beaches the best. Just do your research. As a professor you be finding a job in a couple months. Thanks

[@chrisbell7914]

i live on whidbey island, wa, bellingham is just 40 min north of me. i agree its a beautiful town/city. honestly my wife hasnt had a bad experience while we lived here since she's transitioned. WA is def one of the more progressive states.

[@landporte1593]

Have you been to Palm Springs? It might be cheaper than San Diego and it's definitely a welcoming community.

[@jodymooney255]

I so second that!

[@juliej5917]

Western Massachusetts here, and with the five college consortium here in the Pioneer Valley, I live in a liberal mecca. Northampton, the home of my alma mater, is an incredible small city well known for its diversity. Might be worth a peek! 💗🩵💙🕊️

[@am88ten1]

Moving with kids is extremely difficult! I have 2 kids and I moved from NYC to California and although I LOVE everything about California (except its cost of living) if I go back I wouldn’t be moving anywhere! Moving is a big stressor for kids (and adults). Especially if you have a good school system where you’re currently living!

[@kathrynreissauthor]

Come to California... Check out the San Francisco Bay Area.! And Sacramento and Davis. Benicia, Napa, Sonoma, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Petaluma !

[@janelle.evangelista999]

San Diego would be a great place to move and your kids will love it

[@bridiemacdonald9436]

Bellingham is beautiful! I grew up in PNW -

[@kkmeilicke]

My kids live up in Bellingham and they love it! Lots of trails, and deer everywhere, casually strolling through neighborhoods, with no fear of humans. My only complaint is that it's gotten just as expensive as the Seattle area.

[@myrnaedmisten599]

Bellingham!! And close to Canada…

[@lenthus]

Yes! Bellingham Wa is awesome

[@suzannestone5050]

I love you both! Your story is just amazing. I’ve lived in LA all my life. Specifically in the San Fernando Valley. I love it here, but the school district isn’t as good as it used to be. My dream is to retire in San Diego. It has the perfect weather and the people are so nice. I also wanted to point out a town north of LA that has a great school district, and very diverse, and low crime. it’s called Oak Park, it’s technically in Ventura county, but it’s 20 minutes from Los Angeles. My brother and sister in law live there with my nephew and they love it. Just a suggestion. Good luck, no matter what you decide, I’m sure it will be great!

[@2tall2handle1]

I live in Oak Harbor, Washington, about an hour and half south of Bellingham. Bellingham is very beautiful and close to Canada

[@missnaomi613]

I think I said this on a previous video, but it would be lovely to have you here in San Diego, if you so choose. I have no recommendations, though. Best of luck! 💖💖

[@tracywaite2296]

Beautiful and genuine couple.

[@jenniferw5087]

I love Bellingham. I love about an hour or two north. Love going down there

[@andreahiggins2662]

I’m sure you’ll make the best decision for the family. How are you feeling from your vocal surgery?

[@AlwaysTubin9213]

Have you talked to the kids about the possibility of moving yet? What do they think? Maybe rent for a year or so in the place you’d love to be and see if it aligns with all your wants and needs? Also possibly rent out your home if you do choose to try out another area. Is Amanda able to be granted sabbatical so you guys can take the time to explore?

[@robertalessio6703]

You both are so sweet and eloquent. Love your vlogs...... I would say to move to Melbourne, Australia

[@gmarie521]

You should look into San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara if you're thinking CA. Both are small cities, but only 2-3 hours away from LA and they both have universities (and community colleges) that you could maybe get a job at!

[@nicokl5593]

You should try LA out, you could put your house in Utah up for rent for a year or two and then rent something in LA so you can try it out.

[@cynthiamoralesny]

I’m from NYC and went to USD in San Diego which was more like a vacation than being a college student. San Diego is definitely a beautiful place to experience. A vacation spot and home are two different places for a reason. Play a game: Look at the US map and have each family member close their eyes (blindfolded) and allow their finger to point to a place on the map. It can be fun if nothing comes out of it however it can also offer insight as to where to move. Follow your heart not your eyes. P.S. have someone spin the map so that the blindfolded person doesn’t know how it is facing. The blindfolded person can touch the map and then pick the location. One more thing ever thought about moving outside of the USA?

[@templemanning6180]

I am in the PNW (Seattle). Bellingham is amazing and so beautiful, and you would find it to be an open and loving community. BUT the weather is not more amenable to being outside in Winter than where you are now because of the annual rainfall. Even Portland would be better weather than anywhere in Northwest Washington, but its still nothing like the year round sun you get in California.

[@deborahgarvin8818]

I can so relate to how you are feeling! I lived in Washington state all of my adult life but wanted to live in a warm climate with less rain. I moved to Florida when I retired at 55. I loved the climate and all the beaches. But about 7 years in the political climate became unbearable. I have a mixed race family ( an adopted daughter who is Black and her 4 children who are mixed race. ) and the racists started coming out of the walls. People I considered friends revealed their true natures. I ended up with one liberal/progressive friend. It was soul sucking. After 9 years, in 2022 I moved back to Vancouver WA and I am much happier. I think you would like Washington or Oregon. Portland is especially LGBTQ friendly. One piece of advice I’d give is do it before your kids get much older. Moving kids as teens is really hard on them. Good luck with your decision. Love your channel.

[@WanderFixThrive]

I’d stay put in Utah for now and see how things unfold in the world. So what if people stare at you in Utah-you’re famous! It sounds like you have a good setup with great schools, walkable neighborhoods for your kids, clean air, a job, and nice houses. That’s a solid foundation. I’m in Southern California, and honestly, I don’t love it here. Maybe consider investing in a condo or renting an apartment where you’re thinking about moving first, just to test the waters. Or switch things up and spend summers in your preferred spot for a change. If I could move, I’d probably want to go abroad for a fresh perspective.

[@metatechnologist]

You're voice is progressing keep practicing!

[@Racheldorenofficial]

Bellingham, Washington is cool. Of course it’s going to be grey 80% of the year. But it’ll be lush and gorgeous due to all of the rain. Also extremely liberal but somewhat standoffish due to the greyness and being in close proximity to such a large and dangerous city.

[@Hebrews123]

I’m in California…it’s changing too…the grass isn’t always greener on the other side

[@gracetaylor4429]

Come to Seattle or Bellingham !

[@cynthiaejiogu8442]

Come to northern CA. I live near Sacramento and we do have it all

[@Natalie.D]

Don’t throw out Oregon! It’s a great place to live. Corvallis is a beautiful place. But the winters are hard.

[@DarleneMoitoso-bg3qi]

I’m a native Californian, and if you can afford it, I would highly recommend it. I’m on the Central coast/Monterey area and I’d suggest Santa Cruz. Great vibe and pretty much no one is singled out. There’s a woman who moved from TN to Orange County who has an Instagram related to the move and how they find it living there. It’s nextstopoc

[@bkm2797]

Sounds like a tough decision as a family to make, especially for the kiddos at their tender ages. You have so much to consider, but I know you will land on your feet whatever you choose. Always good to see you two, and Shaye, your voice is coming along very nicely don’t you think. Thanks for the update, can’t wait to hear your decision.💕👍

[@TheRainbow-us9wx]

I've heard that because San Diego/ San Fran/ Los Angeles is so expensive, that Las Vegas can be a good alternative as you can get a lot more for you money out there. I can't speak to the heat in summer however, nor to the state's stance on LGBTQ (although given the showbiz, I'd assume pretty accepting), but I've heard it suggested as an alternative by finance peeps if you're looking to get more for your money

[@LovelynurseMia]

Come to Colorado ! 😊

[@vleisge]

Denver and Boulder areas of Colorado are very liberal and accepting. I'm an English teacher in a very good school district in a suburb of Denver. We have a couple of Universities in Denver and several community colleges in the metro area. It's expensive here but cheaper than in California. Feel free to message me if you have questions. I'd be happy to help in any way I can.

[@tanaes]

We moved to Santa Cruz a couple years ago, and it's been wonderful. It feels like the perfect size for our kids. I'm so grateful we have the means to live in such an awfully expensive place. I really worry about the next few years in this country for those of us who don't conform.

[@paulashealthyliving]

My sister moved to santa cruz a few years ago. I was visiting just before the election and was very pleased with the political climate (I'm canadian from vancouver and it felt similar. )

[@DGRDTR]

I am here in St George and also have a house in Seattle. We are here most of the time because of the weather. Our home is about 40 minutes south of Bellingham. It is beautiful there. You mentioned you visited there but it was summer. There is no better place to be then Seattle in the summer. July, August. But the rest of the time is mostly rain. In Bellingham there is snow. There is lots of grey skies there. We go back end of June, and return in Sept for college football. Go back for the holidays and come back in January. The last few days here in St George is what weather is like but even worst mostly in Seattle. When it is beautiful there, there is no other place to be. But when it's ugly, it's UGLY and depressing. I would try to stick it out here as much as you possibly can. I also lived in SO Ca. Ca has huge problems. This is a better place o raise your family! But if you are looking for a more liberal place...... Bellingham is it!

[@Abcdefghijk920]

I grew up in Utah and when I left… best decision. When I left that bubble and saw so much outside of it my morals changed, my political views changed, everything changed for the better. I moved when I was 15

[@SnailWhales]

Does Shaye have a job and work? I love southern UT after living away for 20 years. I didn’t know how much I took for granted until I lived away. I am glad I raised my kids elsewhere with a lot of diversity though. They love and accept all kinds of people.

[@shaunawirth1161]

Lots of rain in Washington. More than Oregon.

[@carolhathaway5168]

So, you sound ready for a move and having rewatched your video several times, it sounds like there are a few priorities. Safety for your children, physical safety, but also psychological and emotional safety and perhaps also areas that will be less adversely affected by climate change too. Further, teaching opportunities for Amanda, so a town with a college or university. Given the uncertainty pervading much of US society, it might be worth considering a "Blue" state. Perhaps you may find you'll need more than an immediately safe community but rather a steadfast state government as well? Lastly, I wonder what kind of opportunities a new community would offer, Shaye? Best wishes on your journey.

[@meganmyers1657]

Upper western Washington state is incredibly beautiful and so family adventure friendly 🎉🎉

[@missknowitall8199]

Are you guys doing ok with everything that is going on In America right now? I've been thinking about you Alot❤❤❤❤

[@josefinacoloma8922]

Come to Albany California. Best schools, small town. Safe. Diverse. Beautiful. Universities close by.

[@ladyjackettekristen]

Seattle is my favorite city in the country and I wish I could afford to still live there, however, I've been told that it's completely different than when I left in 2015, and per a friend of mine has become a "Cesspool" and not a very family friendly city, however, I really do miss it myself, more than anyone knows. If you choose Seattle there are many, many great institutions of higher learning such as the University of Washington (GO HUSKIES!!!!!!!!!!), Seattle Pacific University, Seattle University, and several community colleges too.

[@mandogrogurescuedogs]

I have noticed a big change on news talking about trans issues. There’s a ton of people in the comments saying negative things about trans people. It was like this a few years ago. It’s like all these people were in hiding and now they feel comfortable to speak what’s on their mind. Sorry to hear you’re going through this. Do what’s best for you and your family. ❤

[@margaretstampfli4159]

Bellingham is beautiful and wonderful.

[@katieweeman5007]

Sending lots of love in this scary time we are in. I’m holding all my LGBTQ friends close to my heart in the midst of everything happening.

[@ivam6443]

Come to Vermont 😊

[@lisalundin3972]

I've been intrigued by Marin County, CA for quite some time. It is home to acclaimed author Anne Lamott, and she's often written about hiking daily through the beautiful redwood forests. The climate is fairly temperate with summers cooler than in St. George. The political climate is very progressive and liberal with a lot of support for the LGBTQ community. I think your children would find a healthy diversity in world views in that area. Also, travel to UT to visit extended family and friends would be relatively easy. I suspect real estate may be pricey, but I still think Marin County is worth a look. Wishing you the best in whatever you choose!

[@shannonwelsh5830]

Go with your gut!❤