On Thursday’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, Supervising Producer Tiffany Griffith introduces you to Elliot Hefty. After enduring several transphobic attacks, he left the U.S. in 2025 to seek asylum in The Netherlands. He’s one of the 45% of transgender Americans who wish to leave the country or have already made plans to. We also hear from officials with The Williams Institute at UCLA, Rainbow Railroad, and the Human Rights Campaign about how life has become unsafe for the trans community in America, and how many are attempting to escape it.

 

Then, we’re joined by Emory University Economist Tom Smith and Decatur City Manager Andrea Arnold as they discuss the economic impact of the World Cup on Atlanta’s neighboring city. We learn that Decatur could see anywhere from $6 million to $142 million in economic activity as they host watch parties and introduce visitors to local dining, shopping, and entertainment.

On Thursday&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look with Rose Scott</a>, Supervising Producer <a href="https://www.wabe.org/people/tiffany-griffith/">Tiffany Griffith</a> introduces you to <a href="https://www.wabe.org/i-had-to-leave-or-i-would-die-a-u-s-trans-man-seeks-refuge-in-another-country/">Elliot Hefty</a>. After enduring several transphobic attacks, he left the U.S. in 2025 to seek asylum in The Netherlands. He&rsquo;s one of the <a href="https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/transgender-moving-desire/">45% of transgender Americans</a> who wish to leave the country or have already made plans to. We also hear from officials with&nbsp;<a href="https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/">The Williams Institute</a>&nbsp;at UCLA, <a href="https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/">Rainbow Railroad</a>, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hrc.org/">Human Rights Campaign</a> about how life has become unsafe for the trans community in America, and how many are attempting to escape it.
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Then, we&rsquo;re joined by Emory University Economist <a href="https://goizueta.emory.edu/faculty/profiles/thomas-smith">Tom Smith</a> and Decatur City Manager&nbsp;<a href="https://www.decaturga.com/cmo/directory-listing/andrea-arnold">Andrea Arnold</a>&nbsp;as they discuss the economic impact of the World Cup on Atlanta&rsquo;s neighboring city. We learn that Decatur could see anywhere from $6 million to $142 million in economic activity as they host watch parties and introduce visitors to local dining, shopping, and entertainment.

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.