Operation Lifeboat is providing direct aid to trans people in Kansas– by helping them flee the state
Now that the skeleton, or the framework for the operation is in place, the work turns to getting and giving funds and labor.
“The situation on the ground is moving fast and every person we talk to has a different story, different needs, and a different definition of what safe looks like for them.”
By Artemis T. Douglas & Jane Migliara Brigham
As trans life in Kansas grows ever more precarious, and ID revocation enforcement is ramping up this Thursday, March 26, Operation Lifeboat has been mobilizing to help trans people get safe. Put simply, this means getting trans people out of Kansas.
Disclaimer: Jane and Artemis are also involved with Operation Lifeboat in a public information capacity. See more on the partnership HERE.
Operation Lifeboat is an initiative by trans people and our cis allies to get trans people to safe havens, on our own terms. They help with the logistics, organization, and money. Trans people are in charge of the course of the operation and their own destinations and definition of safety.
On March 23, Operation Lifeboat issued its latest situation update for Trans Kansans and what is being done to assist them.
According to the release, “Operation Lifeboat is fully stood up, operational, and processing cases.” In real-world terms, 38 people have reached out for help, and 106 volunteers have signed up to help them. This is the case despite the organization only existing since Feb. 25. Of those 38 cases, 30 are considered active by the organization, and 8 are pending.
This means that 38 trans people, and in some cases, trans families, have not only requested assistance, but that Operation Lifeboat is actively finding ways out for them, and finding safe places for them to go. This includes a willingness to offer direct aid to those who need it to flee.
According to the report,
“This operation is funded by donations and volunteer effort. Every complex case we take on has real costs: transportation, temporary housing, moving assistance, legal support, and direct financial aid to individuals in crisis. Demand is already high and we project [it] will only increase. Contributions are needed now to keep us meeting needs in the field. There’s a lot of things more important than money, but they all cost money.”
In other words, the Operation is addressing requests for assistance, and is distributing time and resources to get people out.
For Operation Lifeboat, this means getting trans people safe. Now that the framework for the operation is in place, the work turns to getting and giving funds.
Brandon Callahan, the Operation’s leader, spoke to The Needle about next steps. He stated the following:
"Right now, we are building intake systems, volunteer networks, and direct support resources. This is what we do and we are bringing every bit of that experience to bear here. The situation on the ground is moving fast and every person we talk to has a different story, different needs, and a different definition of what safe looks like for them. For a lot of people, that means getting out of Kansas. For others, it means staying. We are working hard to make both possible."
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Anyone can learn how to get involved with Operation Lifeboat by reading their website, which is frequently updated. It is available HERE.
Anyone can learn how to get involved with Operation Lifeboat by reading their website, which is frequently updated. It is available HERE.
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