Assigned Media
@assignedmedia.org
An independent news website about trans issues, by trans journalists. assignedmedia.org
Support our work: https://www.assignedmedia.org/support
Support our work: https://www.assignedmedia.org/support
@rikiwilchins.bsky.social [study cont] Leo Caldwell of the Trans Collective has compiled their Migration Map Data which found TX & FL led states in out-migration, followed by WA & CA (?). Those in red states moved to blue, but 81% of those in blue states moved abroad. (Also based on small sample.)
Where Do Trans Americans Go When Home Is No Longer Safe?
Trans Collective Migration Map Data
transcollective.substack.com
January 8, 2026 at 7:44 PM
@rikiwilchins.bsky.social [study cont] Leo Caldwell of the Trans Collective has compiled their Migration Map Data which found TX & FL led states in out-migration, followed by WA & CA (?). Those in red states moved to blue, but 81% of those in blue states moved abroad. (Also based on small sample.)
@rikiwilchins.bsky.social [study con't]: By way of comparison to other internal displacements, the first Great Migration (1916-1930) was ~1.5 Black Americans; the Dust Bowl Migration (1930s) was !3m American. What's different here is trans ppl are becoming political refugees in their own country.
January 8, 2026 at 7:29 PM
@rikiwilchins.bsky.social [study con't]: By way of comparison to other internal displacements, the first Great Migration (1916-1930) was ~1.5 Black Americans; the Dust Bowl Migration (1930s) was !3m American. What's different here is trans ppl are becoming political refugees in their own country.
@rikiwilchins.bsky.social 2026 Jan 8 ErinReed: A new Movement Advancement study which included 111 trans ppl found 9% had moved other states. If that number holds true for all 4.5m nationwide it would mean an astonishing 400k had fled home states for safer ones.
Over 400,000 Transgender People Have Moved States Since Trump's Election
The large migration builds on earlier movements of transgender people in response to anti-transgender legislation.
www.erininthemorning.com
January 8, 2026 at 7:25 PM
@rikiwilchins.bsky.social 2026 Jan 8 ErinReed: A new Movement Advancement study which included 111 trans ppl found 9% had moved other states. If that number holds true for all 4.5m nationwide it would mean an astonishing 400k had fled home states for safer ones.
Reposted by Assigned Media
This is essential reading from @billiejsweeney.bsky.social We are heading in such a dark direction with the normalization of anti-tran bigotry.
After the mother of a 6-year-old was gunned down by ICE Laura Loomer made fun of the pronouns in her online bio.
Today on Assigned, @billiejsweeney.bsky.social describes how contempt has been normalized by our media, enabling greater and greater atrocities.
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
Today on Assigned, @billiejsweeney.bsky.social describes how contempt has been normalized by our media, enabling greater and greater atrocities.
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
Contempt Is the Foundation for the War on Trans People — Assigned
Bred on social media platforms and legitimized by mainstream outlets, the language of contempt for fellow human beings endangers us all. Trans people have been the early targets.
www.assignedmedia.org
January 8, 2026 at 4:36 PM
This is essential reading from @billiejsweeney.bsky.social We are heading in such a dark direction with the normalization of anti-tran bigotry.
Reposted by Assigned Media
This is like that show about the serial killer with the side-gig writing obituaries.
The New York Times described a harrassment campaign that helped drive a young trans woman to suicide as "online criticisms."
Today on Assigned, @evanurquhart.bsky.social responds with contained fury to New York Times piece on the suicide of Lia Smith.
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
Today on Assigned, @evanurquhart.bsky.social responds with contained fury to New York Times piece on the suicide of Lia Smith.
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
NYT Chronicles a Death Their Moral Panic Caused — Assigned
The New York Times published a story covering the death of trans athlete, Lia Smith, but takes no responsibility for the ways their coverage of trans issues has fed the moral panic that caused it.
www.assignedmedia.org
January 8, 2026 at 6:34 PM
This is like that show about the serial killer with the side-gig writing obituaries.
Reposted by Assigned Media
Thank you for this. I was incandescent with rage at the NYT for this piece, given that they have not only fueled trans hate, but essentially whitewashed it, making it seem fine for "liberals" to throw trans people under the bus too. Her blood is on your hands @nytimes.com.
The New York Times described a harrassment campaign that helped drive a young trans woman to suicide as "online criticisms."
Today on Assigned, @evanurquhart.bsky.social responds with contained fury to New York Times piece on the suicide of Lia Smith.
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
Today on Assigned, @evanurquhart.bsky.social responds with contained fury to New York Times piece on the suicide of Lia Smith.
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
NYT Chronicles a Death Their Moral Panic Caused — Assigned
The New York Times published a story covering the death of trans athlete, Lia Smith, but takes no responsibility for the ways their coverage of trans issues has fed the moral panic that caused it.
www.assignedmedia.org
January 8, 2026 at 4:23 PM
Thank you for this. I was incandescent with rage at the NYT for this piece, given that they have not only fueled trans hate, but essentially whitewashed it, making it seem fine for "liberals" to throw trans people under the bus too. Her blood is on your hands @nytimes.com.
Reposted by Assigned Media
I was first unsettled, then increasingly furious at the New York Times' coverage of the death of Lia Smith. Here's a thread sharing some trily despicable choices made by @julietmacur.bsky.social in writing about this young woman's suicide.
The New York Times described a harrassment campaign that helped drive a young trans woman to suicide as "online criticisms."
Today on Assigned, @evanurquhart.bsky.social responds with contained fury to New York Times piece on the suicide of Lia Smith.
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
Today on Assigned, @evanurquhart.bsky.social responds with contained fury to New York Times piece on the suicide of Lia Smith.
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
NYT Chronicles a Death Their Moral Panic Caused — Assigned
The New York Times published a story covering the death of trans athlete, Lia Smith, but takes no responsibility for the ways their coverage of trans issues has fed the moral panic that caused it.
www.assignedmedia.org
January 8, 2026 at 3:53 PM
I was first unsettled, then increasingly furious at the New York Times' coverage of the death of Lia Smith. Here's a thread sharing some trily despicable choices made by @julietmacur.bsky.social in writing about this young woman's suicide.
The New York Times described a harrassment campaign that helped drive a young trans woman to suicide as "online criticisms."
Today on Assigned, @evanurquhart.bsky.social responds with contained fury to New York Times piece on the suicide of Lia Smith.
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
Today on Assigned, @evanurquhart.bsky.social responds with contained fury to New York Times piece on the suicide of Lia Smith.
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
NYT Chronicles a Death Their Moral Panic Caused — Assigned
The New York Times published a story covering the death of trans athlete, Lia Smith, but takes no responsibility for the ways their coverage of trans issues has fed the moral panic that caused it.
www.assignedmedia.org
January 8, 2026 at 3:47 PM
The New York Times described a harrassment campaign that helped drive a young trans woman to suicide as "online criticisms."
Today on Assigned, @evanurquhart.bsky.social responds with contained fury to New York Times piece on the suicide of Lia Smith.
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
Today on Assigned, @evanurquhart.bsky.social responds with contained fury to New York Times piece on the suicide of Lia Smith.
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
Please ready yourself psychologically for a fundraising drive in the back half of January.
In another week or so, I am going to start asking you for donations, memberships, and to help boost out campaign to reach new donors and members.
That will (hopefully) ensure that we can continue to provide good part time work for 3 journalists and pay our freelancers decently.
And then...
That will (hopefully) ensure that we can continue to provide good part time work for 3 journalists and pay our freelancers decently.
And then...
I would really like to see Assigned reach a point where we can employ 2-3 people full time and cover their health insurance. For me, that's really the baseline where you can start talking about how worker friendly you are or aren't.
January 8, 2026 at 3:13 PM
Please ready yourself psychologically for a fundraising drive in the back half of January.
Reposted by Assigned Media
In another week or so, I am going to start asking you for donations, memberships, and to help boost out campaign to reach new donors and members.
That will (hopefully) ensure that we can continue to provide good part time work for 3 journalists and pay our freelancers decently.
And then...
That will (hopefully) ensure that we can continue to provide good part time work for 3 journalists and pay our freelancers decently.
And then...
I would really like to see Assigned reach a point where we can employ 2-3 people full time and cover their health insurance. For me, that's really the baseline where you can start talking about how worker friendly you are or aren't.
January 8, 2026 at 3:12 PM
In another week or so, I am going to start asking you for donations, memberships, and to help boost out campaign to reach new donors and members.
That will (hopefully) ensure that we can continue to provide good part time work for 3 journalists and pay our freelancers decently.
And then...
That will (hopefully) ensure that we can continue to provide good part time work for 3 journalists and pay our freelancers decently.
And then...
Reposted by Assigned Media
There's very little money in journalism, and paying people decently becomes incredibly expensive incredibly quickly. No one honest will tell you they've solved this.
The easiest way to solve it is to be a one-person workaholic newsroom and just keep all the money.
The easiest way to solve it is to be a one-person workaholic newsroom and just keep all the money.
January 8, 2026 at 1:51 PM
There's very little money in journalism, and paying people decently becomes incredibly expensive incredibly quickly. No one honest will tell you they've solved this.
The easiest way to solve it is to be a one-person workaholic newsroom and just keep all the money.
The easiest way to solve it is to be a one-person workaholic newsroom and just keep all the money.
Reposted by Assigned Media
If you're curious, or if you need an excuse to finally become a member of Assigned like you've been meaning to, please sign up here. Your support is what keeps our shoestring budget stringy.
www.assignedmedia.org/newsletter
www.assignedmedia.org/newsletter
Become a Member — Assigned
Support Assigned Media by becoming a member for $12 a month and get our weekly newsletter.
www.assignedmedia.org
January 8, 2026 at 12:05 PM
If you're curious, or if you need an excuse to finally become a member of Assigned like you've been meaning to, please sign up here. Your support is what keeps our shoestring budget stringy.
www.assignedmedia.org/newsletter
www.assignedmedia.org/newsletter
Reposted by Assigned Media
Right-wing contempt for fellow Americans, embodied by Trump and legitimised by big corporate media, is the common thread for assaults on all of our rights.
Trans ppl have been early and regular targets. But unchecked hate breeds more hate. 🧵
Trans ppl have been early and regular targets. But unchecked hate breeds more hate. 🧵
After the mother of a 6-year-old was gunned down by ICE Laura Loomer made fun of the pronouns in her online bio.
Today on Assigned, @billiejsweeney.bsky.social describes how contempt has been normalized by our media, enabling greater and greater atrocities.
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
Today on Assigned, @billiejsweeney.bsky.social describes how contempt has been normalized by our media, enabling greater and greater atrocities.
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
Contempt Is the Foundation for the War on Trans People — Assigned
Bred on social media platforms and legitimized by mainstream outlets, the language of contempt for fellow human beings endangers us all. Trans people have been the early targets.
www.assignedmedia.org
January 8, 2026 at 1:22 PM
Right-wing contempt for fellow Americans, embodied by Trump and legitimised by big corporate media, is the common thread for assaults on all of our rights.
Trans ppl have been early and regular targets. But unchecked hate breeds more hate. 🧵
Trans ppl have been early and regular targets. But unchecked hate breeds more hate. 🧵
After the mother of a 6-year-old was gunned down by ICE Laura Loomer made fun of the pronouns in her online bio.
Today on Assigned, @billiejsweeney.bsky.social describes how contempt has been normalized by our media, enabling greater and greater atrocities.
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
Today on Assigned, @billiejsweeney.bsky.social describes how contempt has been normalized by our media, enabling greater and greater atrocities.
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
Contempt Is the Foundation for the War on Trans People — Assigned
Bred on social media platforms and legitimized by mainstream outlets, the language of contempt for fellow human beings endangers us all. Trans people have been the early targets.
www.assignedmedia.org
January 8, 2026 at 12:13 PM
After the mother of a 6-year-old was gunned down by ICE Laura Loomer made fun of the pronouns in her online bio.
Today on Assigned, @billiejsweeney.bsky.social describes how contempt has been normalized by our media, enabling greater and greater atrocities.
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
Today on Assigned, @billiejsweeney.bsky.social describes how contempt has been normalized by our media, enabling greater and greater atrocities.
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
Reposted by Assigned Media
Yesterday, I made the decision to write on NYT's ghoulish story on Lia Smith and on an interview by Assigned volunteer editor Billie Sweeney where she told the story of a piece on the Cass review being pulled from NYT's international desk to ensure coverage would hew to management's biased agenda.
January 8, 2026 at 11:59 AM
Yesterday, I made the decision to write on NYT's ghoulish story on Lia Smith and on an interview by Assigned volunteer editor Billie Sweeney where she told the story of a piece on the Cass review being pulled from NYT's international desk to ensure coverage would hew to management's biased agenda.
@rikiwilchins.bsky.social 2026 Jan 8 WindyCityTimes:
Trans employee sues Chicago Cubs for hostile workplace & retaliation, saying since her hiring she has been called "tr*nnie," "f*ggot" "it" & when she filed complaints, they were disclosed to employees, increasing the harassment.
Trans employee sues Chicago Cubs for hostile workplace & retaliation, saying since her hiring she has been called "tr*nnie," "f*ggot" "it" & when she filed complaints, they were disclosed to employees, increasing the harassment.
Transgender employee sues Cubs alleging discrimination, harassment and retaliation - Windy City Times
A transgender employee has filed a federal lawsuit against the Chicago Cubs, alleging sex- and gender-based discrimination, harassment and retaliation during her employment with the organization. The ...
windycitytimes.com
January 8, 2026 at 11:13 AM
@rikiwilchins.bsky.social 2026 Jan 8 WindyCityTimes:
Trans employee sues Chicago Cubs for hostile workplace & retaliation, saying since her hiring she has been called "tr*nnie," "f*ggot" "it" & when she filed complaints, they were disclosed to employees, increasing the harassment.
Trans employee sues Chicago Cubs for hostile workplace & retaliation, saying since her hiring she has been called "tr*nnie," "f*ggot" "it" & when she filed complaints, they were disclosed to employees, increasing the harassment.
@rikiwilchins.bsky.social [Vermont con't.] 20+ hospitals have shuttered GAC programs. Trans Youth Emergency Project still referrs displaced patients but demand is rising. MA passed a similar measure allocating $1m last year; & NYC Mayor Mamdani has pledged $65m(!) for transgender healthcare.
January 7, 2026 at 10:08 PM
@rikiwilchins.bsky.social [Vermont con't.] 20+ hospitals have shuttered GAC programs. Trans Youth Emergency Project still referrs displaced patients but demand is rising. MA passed a similar measure allocating $1m last year; & NYC Mayor Mamdani has pledged $65m(!) for transgender healthcare.
[Vermont con't] Bill would also fund creation of private GAC clinics--part of expanding drive to situate care beyond high-profile institutions vulnerable to federal pressure & funding. It is similar to what happened w/ GI programs in 90s when Johns Hopkins & other hospitals exited the field.
Vermont Bill Would Create State Trust Fund For Private Trans Youth Care Clinics As Trump Threatens Hospital Funding
The bill would establish the Affirming Health Care Trust Fund, administered by the State Treasurer, to support clinics and providers outside the reach of federal funding threats.
www.erininthemorning.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:59 PM
[Vermont con't] Bill would also fund creation of private GAC clinics--part of expanding drive to situate care beyond high-profile institutions vulnerable to federal pressure & funding. It is similar to what happened w/ GI programs in 90s when Johns Hopkins & other hospitals exited the field.
@rikiwilchins.bsky.social 2026 Jan 7 ErinReed: In visionary bill, Vermont legislators propose fund that would provide direct monetary support for adult/youth GAC providers, help patients who would otherwise go w/o care if fed funding withdrawn, & pay clinicians' malpractice & liability insurance.
Vermont Bill Would Create State Trust Fund For Private Trans Youth Care Clinics As Trump Threatens Hospital Funding
The bill would establish the Affirming Health Care Trust Fund, administered by the State Treasurer, to support clinics and providers outside the reach of federal funding threats.
www.erininthemorning.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:53 PM
@rikiwilchins.bsky.social 2026 Jan 7 ErinReed: In visionary bill, Vermont legislators propose fund that would provide direct monetary support for adult/youth GAC providers, help patients who would otherwise go w/o care if fed funding withdrawn, & pay clinicians' malpractice & liability insurance.
Reposted by Assigned Media
None of this would be necessary if it wasn't for the 'gender critical' hate movement.
“She's constantly having to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself because she knows that her image can be distorted.”
Brigitte Macron's torment is due to false allegations she is trans. Imagine what it's like for women who are actually trans!
Our latest, by @alyssaur.bsky.social
Brigitte Macron's torment is due to false allegations she is trans. Imagine what it's like for women who are actually trans!
Our latest, by @alyssaur.bsky.social
Macron Wins in French Court — Assigned
A complaint filed by Brigitte Macron alleging cyberbullying by multiple individuals has culminated in widespread punishments.
www.assignedmedia.org
January 7, 2026 at 4:44 PM
None of this would be necessary if it wasn't for the 'gender critical' hate movement.
OMG! Assigned Media is nominated for a @glaad.bsky.social award for Outstanding Independent Journalism alongside some other amazing folks like @xtramagazine.com, @erininthemorning.com, and @thebuckeyeflame.com!!!
glaad.org/mediaawards/...
glaad.org/mediaawards/...
37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards Nominees | GLAAD
See the full list of nominees for the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards.
glaad.org
January 7, 2026 at 6:30 PM
OMG! Assigned Media is nominated for a @glaad.bsky.social award for Outstanding Independent Journalism alongside some other amazing folks like @xtramagazine.com, @erininthemorning.com, and @thebuckeyeflame.com!!!
glaad.org/mediaawards/...
glaad.org/mediaawards/...
Reposted by Assigned Media
Three children’s hospitals are under federal investigation for providing gender-affirming care to trans youth
This stems from RFK Jr. saying that, under his authority as health secretary, he can unilaterally decide that gender-affirming care is not a safe and effective treatment
This stems from RFK Jr. saying that, under his authority as health secretary, he can unilaterally decide that gender-affirming care is not a safe and effective treatment
Three hospitals are under investigation for providing gender-affirming care to trans youth
In Washington state, Colorado, and Minnesota, children’s hospitals are facing federal scrutiny over care that’s legal under state law.
19thnews.org
January 7, 2026 at 3:48 PM
Three children’s hospitals are under federal investigation for providing gender-affirming care to trans youth
This stems from RFK Jr. saying that, under his authority as health secretary, he can unilaterally decide that gender-affirming care is not a safe and effective treatment
This stems from RFK Jr. saying that, under his authority as health secretary, he can unilaterally decide that gender-affirming care is not a safe and effective treatment
“She's constantly having to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself because she knows that her image can be distorted.”
Brigitte Macron's torment is due to false allegations she is trans. Imagine what it's like for women who are actually trans!
Our latest, by @alyssaur.bsky.social
Brigitte Macron's torment is due to false allegations she is trans. Imagine what it's like for women who are actually trans!
Our latest, by @alyssaur.bsky.social
Macron Wins in French Court — Assigned
A complaint filed by Brigitte Macron alleging cyberbullying by multiple individuals has culminated in widespread punishments.
www.assignedmedia.org
January 7, 2026 at 4:27 PM
“She's constantly having to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself because she knows that her image can be distorted.”
Brigitte Macron's torment is due to false allegations she is trans. Imagine what it's like for women who are actually trans!
Our latest, by @alyssaur.bsky.social
Brigitte Macron's torment is due to false allegations she is trans. Imagine what it's like for women who are actually trans!
Our latest, by @alyssaur.bsky.social
Reposted by Assigned Media
The nyt, eager to folo up on Weiss’s transphobic coverage, repeated this individual’s baseless assertions. There was never any evidence to support to support her claims, yet the nyt and Weiss’s coverage caused grave harm.
The next year, Weiss ran this first-person piece, by a woman who worked at the Wash U Transgender Center in St. Louis.
She made many serious allegations. There was no evidence that they tried to contact the center, or the woman’s colleagues.
Not even a “no comment.”
www.thefp.com/p/i-thought-...
She made many serious allegations. There was no evidence that they tried to contact the center, or the woman’s colleagues.
Not even a “no comment.”
www.thefp.com/p/i-thought-...
I Thought I Was Saving Trans Kids. Now I’m Blowing the Whistle.
There are more than 100 pediatric gender clinics across the U.S. I worked at one. What’s happening to children is morally and medically appalling.
www.thefp.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:31 AM
The nyt, eager to folo up on Weiss’s transphobic coverage, repeated this individual’s baseless assertions. There was never any evidence to support to support her claims, yet the nyt and Weiss’s coverage caused grave harm.
Reposted by Assigned Media
this is really obvious to any trans individual, but if you're cis and want to learn more about trans rights issues, GIVE THIS A READ.
@rikiwilchins.bsky.social 2026 Jan 7 LemkinInstute: Genocide scholars of Intl Assoc of Genocide Scholars warn US may in early stages of genocide under intl law which covers religious, ethnic & racial groups. Genocide against socially-defined "gender groups" not well understood but may qualify.
Experts Warn U.S. in Early Stages of Genocide Against Trans Americans
Genocide scholars say policies targeting transgender Americans match early warning signs of mass atrocity.Genocide scholars are sounding the alarm over what they describe as escalating attacks targeti...
www.lemkininstitute.com
January 7, 2026 at 10:53 AM
this is really obvious to any trans individual, but if you're cis and want to learn more about trans rights issues, GIVE THIS A READ.