As the nation grapples with the implications of President Donald Trump’s return to the White House, transgender individuals, their families, and allies are bracing for a challenging road ahead. Trump’s recent statements and outlined policies signal a significant rollback of transgender rights, sparking concern and fear within the LGBTQ+ community.
A Day One Agenda Targeting Transgender Protections
Donald Trump has made it explicitly clear that his administration will prioritize reversing many of the protections implemented during President Joe Biden’s term. In his campaign and subsequent speeches, Trump promised to dismantle Biden-era policies that safeguard transgender students from discrimination in schools.
When referring to the Title IX protections announced by the Biden administration in April, Trump said in May, “We’re going to end it on Day 1.” These protections clarified that treating transgender students differently from their classmates constitutes discrimination. Trump’s intent to reverse these changes without congressional approval underscores the immediacy and severity of his agenda.
At a Wisconsin rally in June, Trump expanded on his plans, stating he would “sign a new executive order” to cut federal funding for any school promoting what he termed “critical race theory, transgender insanity, and other inappropriate racial, sexual or political content” to children. While the logistics of how he would execute these funding cuts remain unclear, the threat alone has sent ripples of anxiety through educational institutions and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
An Aggressive Stance on Transgender Rights
Trump’s opposition to transgender rights was a central theme in his campaign’s closing arguments. His team released an ad targeting Vice President Kamala Harris, emphasizing a stark contrast: “Kamala is for they/them. President Trump is for you.” This messaging strategy was part of a broader effort by Republicans, who spent nearly $215 million on anti-transgender advertisements during the election cycle, according to Ad Impact.
These ads and Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric have not only marginalized transgender individuals but have also emboldened anti-trans sentiment across the country. During his first term, Trump enacted policies attempting to repeal protections for LGBTQ+ Americans, and his second term promises to intensify these efforts.
On his official website, Trump outlines a 20-point platform titled Agenda 47, aimed at “Making America Great Again.” Among his priorities are plans to “keep men out of women’s sports”—a direct attack on transgender women athletes—and to “cut federal funding for any school pushing…radical gender ideology.”
One of the most alarming aspects of Trump’s agenda is his proposal to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military. During his first term, Trump instructed the Department of Defense to reverse a 2016 order that allowed transgender individuals to serve openly. He justified the ban by citing the cost of gender-affirming surgeries, a move that faced immediate legal challenges.
Healthcare Restrictions and the Fight for Gender-Affirming Care
Perhaps most concerning is Trump’s stance on gender-affirming healthcare. In recent years, several states have enacted laws banning gender-affirming care for minors. The Human Rights Campaign reports that 26 states have such bans or policies in place, affecting 39% of transgender youth.
Trump has expressed his intention to nationalize these efforts, aiming to halt gender-affirming medical care for adolescents across the country. By threatening to deny federal funding to hospitals that provide this care, he could make it exceedingly difficult for youth experiencing gender dysphoria to access what many medical professionals consider life-saving treatment.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has pledged to continue litigating against any further restrictions on gender-affirming care. Tara McKay, co-founder and Director of the Vanderbilt LGBTQ+ Policy Lab, warns that such federal actions could exacerbate an already polarized landscape, leading to more state-level bans and creating hostile environments for transgender individuals.
“States have control over healthcare,” McKay explains. “If [Trump] pursues a full federal ban, progressive states will immediately challenge it, and it will be in court. Similar to the abortion landscape, we will end up with states mobilizing protections and states becoming incredibly hostile and life-threatening for folks who are targeted.”
The Mental Health Toll on the Transgender Community
The mere discussion of these policies has tangible effects on the mental health of transgender individuals. McKay points to research indicating that exposure to negative media coverage on LGBTQ+ issues increases suicidal ideation among LGBTQ+ teens and young adults. Since the election results, organizations like The Trevor Project have reported a staggering 700% increase in calls to their crisis hotline.
Imara Jones, an American political journalist and transgender activist, emphasizes the importance of collective action. “The main question in relation to transgender health is how are people going to stand up?” Jones asks. “Are states like New York and California going to push back against administrative rules that are changing? How much will groups that say they are trans allies actually stand up and support?”
Trump’s agenda also targets educational rights, particularly focusing on Title IX protections that prohibit sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs. During a Virginia rally, he vowed to “keep men out of women’s sports,” a direct reference to banning transgender women from competing in alignment with their gender identity.
His proposed reinterpretation of Title IX would not only affect transgender athletes but could also lead to broader discrimination against transgender students in educational settings. Simone Chriss, a civil rights attorney and Director of the Transgender Rights Initiative at Southern Legal Counsel, expresses deep concern over these potential changes.
“The overarching goal is redefining sex across the board in a way that excludes transgender people,” Chriss says. “We’re seeing states like Florida redefine sex for purposes of our entire K-20 education code to make sex determined by reproductive function.”
Such redefinitions could have devastating consequences, including limiting transgender individuals’ access to identification documents that reflect their true gender. This lack of accurate identification can impact every aspect of a person’s life, from employment to housing.
Legal Battles and the Importance of Preparedness
The transgender community is preparing for significant legal battles ahead. The outcome of cases like United States v. Skrmetti, which challenges Tennessee’s ban on gender transition care for minors, could set critical precedents affecting civil rights nationwide.
Organizations and allies are emphasizing the need for support and solidarity. Chriss advises transgender individuals to update their identification documents promptly. “Every transgender client I have, if they don’t have a passport, or if their passport still says the wrong gender marker or name, I’m like, ‘Update it as fast as you can, because we have till January.’”
The Bottom Line
In the face of these impending challenges, the role of allies becomes even more vital. Supporting community organizations, legal funds, and resources dedicated to transgender rights can make a significant difference. Local and state groups are particularly crucial, as they navigate specific laws and offer immediate support within communities.
The anticipated policies of the Trump administration represent not just political shifts but profound threats to the safety and well-being of transgender individuals. Early preparation and proactive measures are essential to safeguarding the rights and futures of those most vulnerable.
As the country stands at this critical juncture, the transgender community, their families, and allies are called upon to unite, advocate, and resist policies that aim to undermine their rights and dignity. The road ahead may be fraught with obstacles, but with solidarity and unwavering commitment to equality, there remains hope for a more inclusive and just future.
Things are looking dire for the trans community. Trump and his thugs are out to get us. Take care of yourself and do whatever you must to protect yourself. It’s not going to be pretty for the next four years.