We’re the Behans — a queer American family saying goodbye to a country that no longer feels like home, and setting out to build something new in Portugal.

How it started…
This blog was born from equal parts fear and hope.
Like many families, we’ve been watching the United States shift in ways that make us feel less safe, less seen, and less free. As LGBTQ+ parents, raising kids in an increasingly hostile political and cultural climate, we reached a breaking point. We realized we couldn’t wait for things to get better — we had to take a leap toward something better ourselves.
So we made the biggest decision of our lives: to leave.
We created this space to document our journey — the messy, beautiful, deeply human process of uprooting and starting over. But more than that, we created it for you.
Who this blog is for
This is a space for:
- Queer families wondering if they can really leave the U.S. — and what it might take.
- Progressive individuals and families looking for a life that feels more aligned with their values.
- Anyone dreaming of something different, even if it feels impossible right now.
Whether you’re a single person tired of American work culture, a parent worried about the future your kids are inheriting, or a couple quietly planning your exit strategy — you’re welcome here.
We’re not here to sugarcoat this process. It’s hard, expensive, and emotionally exhausting. But it’s also expansive, humbling, and full of unexpected joy. We’ll be sharing the logistics, the lessons, the culture shocks, and the deeply personal shifts we’re experiencing along the way.
Our values
We believe in:
- Human rights over political posturing
- Abortion access, marriage equality, and bodily autonomy
- Raising kids to be kind, critical thinkers in a diverse world
- Community, not conformity
- Living without fear
We are unapologetically atheist, progressive, and values-driven. This blog will not be a good fit for anyone seeking a religious or conservative perspective — and that’s okay. We’re not here to argue. We’re here to live freely and help others who want to do the same.
We hope our story helps you feel a little more brave, a little more seen, and a little more certain that you, too, can build the life you want — even if it means starting over.
Thanks for being here. We’re so glad you found us.
🧡 The Behans
