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In Today’s Email:

Nomad News: America’s Paradise makes it official

Nomad Hacks: 3 ideas to make your life easier

Nomad Life: 7 musts for the road

NOMAD NEWS:

🌈 America’s Paradise Just Got a Little More Free

In a landmark step for trans and intersex rights, the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St. Thomas & St. John) just became the first American territory to formally allow gender-marker changes on official identification documents.

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. signed Executive Order No. 543-2025 on October 15 — establishing a clear process for Virgin Islanders to update their birth certificates and government-issued IDs to accurately reflect their gender identity.

Pretty straightforward, right?
But here’s why it matters more than you might think…

🪞 A Clear Path to Recognition 
Adults can now submit written applications for gender-marker changes. Parents or guardians can apply on behalf of minors.

Applications require either:
• a healthcare provider’s statement verifying an intersex condition, or
• a court order approving the change.

The order also replaces the word “sex” with “gender” on official documents—aligning the territory with over two dozen U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and Washington D.C.

Not revolutionary in what they’re doing.
But pretty damn revolutionary in when they’re doing it.

🏛️ Leadership in Action 
Governor Bryan first tried to pass this through legislation.

When the bill stalled, he used executive authority.

Which—honestly?—is rare these days.

Most politicians love to talk about progress.
But when it means risking a slice of their base?
Crickets.

So yeah, advocates are calling this move both courageous and compassionate.
And in a national climate where 500+ anti-LGBTQ+ bills have surfaced across the U.S. in just two years… that courage actually means something.

The Virgin Islands already bans discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation, with no restrictions on gender-affirming healthcare, sports participation, or restroom access.

Now they’ve gone a step further—transforming equality on paper into dignity in practice.

🔦 A Beacon Amid Backlash 
While states like Texas, Florida, and Tennessee roll back protections, the U.S. Virgin Islands is moving the other way.

Their stance is simple but radical:
Everyone deserves to be seen as they are.

For trans and intersex people, accurate ID isn’t symbolic.
It’s survival—reducing harassment, opening doors to work and housing, restoring the basic right to move through the world without explanation.

🏝️ Living Proud in Paradise 
I lived in the Virgin Islands for nearly eight years—on St. Croix, with a home on St. John. I ran a mortgage company there (making home ownership affordable), walked those beaches, weathered hurricanes, and built friendships that transcended labels.

I never once felt unsafe or unwelcome.
And for queer travelers and PrideNomads, that kind of peace is rare.

No, the USVI isn’t a “gay hotspot” like Puerto Vallarta or Sitges.
But it doesn’t need to be.
It’s something more honest:
America’s Paradise, where the horizon feels wider and life moves at the rhythm of the sea.

Two-thirds of St. John is protected national parkland.
St. Croix offers rich history and vibrant community life.
St. Thomas is a famous cruise port, with multiple cruise ships arriving nearly every day.
From there, it’s a quick hop to Tortola or Virgin Gorda—one of my favorite places on Earth.

All the major airlines fly in.
No passport required for U.S. citizens.
And what travelers remember most isn’t the convenience—it’s the calm.
That quiet feeling that, here, you’re finally allowed to exhale.

🌏 The Bigger Picture
At a moment when so much of the world is legislating against visibility, the Virgin Islands just reminded us what leadership looks like:
Clarity. Compassion. Courage.

Progress doesn’t always come from the biggest stages. Sometimes it rises from a small chain of islands surrounded by turquoise water, saying softly to the world:

“We see you. You belong here.”

And honestly? That’s worth celebrating.

— Ken

Big thanks to my former neighbor Amy Herrick for sharing the news with us. She’s a rockstar, living on St. Croix.

NOMAD HACKS:

 🚎 Three Winners to Make Your Nomad Life Easier

🧠 1. The Two-Color Rule

Pick two base colors for your wardrobe — everything must mix and match with them.

Suggestion: Black and navy (both hide dirt, both look sharp).

Result: 10 outfits from 5 pieces, and you never look like a backpacker who gave up.
And black is always slimming 😉 

📸 2. Screenshot Everything Before You Board

Wi-Fi fails. Apps crash. Airport scanners freeze.

Screenshot your boarding pass, hotel address, directions, and key emails.

When you’re standing in a customs line at 2 a.m. in Bogotá, offline screenshots feel like superpowers.

💧 3. The Sink Laundry Ritual

Forget laundromats. Bring a silicone sink stopper and a grab your hotel shampoo.

Fill the sink, add some shampoo, and have fun…

Squeeze your laundry (yes, you became your own washing machine!), and notice all the pigment that comes out of your clothes. Yuck!

Rinse a few times, then squeeze to dry.

Now here’s the secret—lay your clothes out on a towel, then roll it all up and twist the towel around your clothes and stomp on it. (It’s oddly satisfying.).

That removes most of the excess water, and you can hang to dry (preferably in front of a fan or near a window).
Do it at night and have fresh, clean clothes in the morning.

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NOMAD LIFE:

🏳️‍⚧️ 7 Things Every Queer Traveler Should Know About Trans Safety on the Road

Last week, IGLTA released what may be the most important travel guide of the year — and honestly, we think reading it should be mandatory.

Whether you’re trans or not, the new Trans & Gender Diverse Travel Guide lays out a reality that impacts all of us:

🌍 The world isn’t equally safe for every identity — but we can all help change that.

Below are 7 key takeaways you may find uncomfortable, even scary.
But that’s exactly why they matter.
Because avoiding the truth has never been a good safety strategy.

✈️ 1. Travel Documents Must Match — or Get Strategic Help

If your passport and ID don’t match your gender presentation, you may be denied entry.
Check with your embassy before you go

🚫 2. Some Countries Still Criminalize Gender Diversity

The UAE, Oman, and others have laws targeting trans and nonbinary people.
Even “open” destinations can apply these laws inconsistently.
ILGA’s Global Database can help you assess risk.

📦 3. Hormones and Medical Supplies Can Be Flagged

Some nations restrict hormone transport, even with a prescription.
Always carry a doctor’s note — and pack backups in case your trip gets extended.

🚓 4. Traffic Stops Can Turn Dangerous

Especially in rural areas or border states, trans BIPOC travelers face added scrutiny.
Stay in touch with someone. Use buddy systems. Know your rights.

🛂 5. TSA Scanners Still Use a Binary Gender Model

Binders, prosthetics, or body contour changes may trigger “alerts.”
You can opt out — but be prepared for a full-body pat-down.

🧳 6. Cruise Routes Aren’t Always Safe

You may dock in countries with anti-trans laws mid-voyage.
Ask the cruise line about backup protocols in case of medical or legal issues.

🏨 7. Hotels May Discriminate — Quietly

Some trans travelers report being denied check-in outright.
Send an email before booking. Ask direct questions. Trust your gut.

⚠️ These aren’t just “worst-case” hypotheticals — they’re based on real stories from real travelers.

📘 Read the full guide here:
iglta.org/foundation/gender-diverse-travel-guide

Because protecting trans lives isn’t just a trans issue.
It’s a community issue. A human issue.

💌 And if you’re looking for a little light in the midst of it all —
The Daily Hug is here each morning to remind you you’re not alone.

Answer to Today’s Quiz

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