In a bold and refreshingly unapologetic move, Norwegian trans politician Karina Ødegård has called on her government to open its doors to transgender Americans fleeing discrimination in the United States. The outspoken Green Party candidate, poised to become Norway’s first transgender member of parliament, compared the treatment of trans people in the U.S. to the persecution faced by marginalized communities in pre-WWII Europe. And she’s not just speaking hypothetically — she wants action.
“What would we have done in the 1930s if we knew what was about to happen?” Ødegård asked. “That’s where we are now. Then we have to act.” This isn’t some vague solidarity gesture. It’s a call for political asylum — real protection for real people facing targeted oppression.
Ødegård’s comments come as trans Americans face a ruthless rollback of rights under policies set by the Trump administration, including bans from military service, exclusion from gendered sports teams, and efforts to erase trans identities from official documents. “The Trump administration has singled out transgender people as scapegoats to be hanged and removed,” she said, with chilling clarity. In contrast, she credited Norway’s healthcare system and state institutions for allowing her to live authentically, describing her own journey as one of support — not sabotage.
A Nordic Lifeline
Norway, which legalized same-sex marriage and adoption back in 2009 and banned sexual orientation discrimination in 1981, has long been a leader in LGBTQ rights. Self-ID for trans people is legal, and housing laws prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. But let’s be real — it’s not perfect. Non-binary recognition is still off the table, and minors can’t access gender-affirming care, despite overwhelming public support. Still, in a global context, Norway is a glittering beacon of hope compared to the legislative drag show currently sweeping across U.S. statehouses.
And that’s exactly what makes Ødegård’s message so urgent. By recognizing the American culture war on trans lives for what it is — a human rights crisis — she’s urging Norway to live up to its own values. This isn’t about symbolic rainbow flags or diplomatic lip service. It’s about saving lives.
A Global Queer Wake-Up Call
For the global LGBTQ community, Ødegård’s stance is a critical reminder: queer solidarity can’t stop at borders. Trans Americans aren’t just fighting bad policy — they’re fighting for survival. If even one Western country is ready to call this what it is — persecution — and offer asylum, it could set a precedent for others to follow.
So while some U.S. politicians are busy banning books and policing pronouns, Ødegård is over in Oslo asking the real questions — and offering real solutions. It’s more than a political statement. It’s a lifeline.
As the U.S. regresses into a red-state fever dream of anti-trans legislation, maybe it’s time we all started learning how to say “thank you” in Norwegian. Takk, Karina.