January 21, 2025. Here we stand, on the day after Donald Trump’s inauguration into his second term as President of the United States—a reality that many of us in the transgender community hoped we would never witness again. It’s a heavy day, one filled with the same swirling questions and anxieties that first surfaced years ago, only deepened by the tumultuous experiences of the last administration. We have 1,460 days ahead in this new (yet oddly familiar) political landscape, and while that might feel like an eternity, it can also be a countdown—one that motivates us to continue forging forward and caring for each other until this chapter finally closes.
For transgender people, their families, and their allies, today might bring renewed concern about eroding civil rights, reduced healthcare protections, and an escalating culture of transphobia. Many of us are determined to resist, but those who are more vulnerable—because of finances, lack of familial support, living in conservative areas, or encountering racial and economic injustices—must also prioritize emotional safety and mental health. This article, specifically tailored for the spirituality category on TransVitae.com, offers a space for reflection, uplift, and strategies to preserve and strengthen the spirit during these uncertain times.
Standing at a Crossroads (Again): Recognizing Collective Emotion
In 2017, the transgender community and its allies braced for four years of potential rollbacks after President Trump first took office. Sadly, many of those concerns became reality. Now, in 2025, the communal worry is undeniable—like a wound that barely had time to heal before being cut open again. Anxiety, fear, and anger are legitimate emotional responses. Yet, amid these feelings, communities across the country are organizing and affirming the necessity of standing together.
On the one hand, we face the potential continuation or introduction of policies undermining transgender healthcare, legal protections, and educational resources. On the other, we see a powerful network of activists, grassroots organizations, and supportive faith communities that have grown stronger and more vocal over the past few years. Even as the clock ticks through these next 1,460 days, there’s an undercurrent of hope in collective action: evidence that building solidarity is not only possible but inevitable when injustice looms.
For many, spirituality is not merely a set of dogmas but a profound connection to something transcendent—be it community, nature, a Higher Power, or one’s own deep sense of purpose. Engaging with spiritual practice at this juncture can bring solace and focus. This sense of grounding becomes a stabilizing force, reminding us that, while political powers may shift and threaten rights, there is an intrinsic human dignity in every transgender life—unassailable and sacred.
Spirituality in Crisis: Why We Need It More Than Ever
We often turn to spirituality in the face of uncertainty or adversity. Whether through formal religious observance, individual meditation, or simply cultivating a sense of inner peace, these practices can sustain the spirit during long campaigns for rights and recognition.
- Cultivating inner refuge: The political climate can feel like a barrage of hostility, especially for those in marginalized communities. Spiritual or contemplative practices—like prayer, mindful breathing, or meditative walking—offer a refuge from daily stressors. They create a space where you can safely acknowledge your worries without being overwhelmed.
- A universal wellspring of resilience: Various spiritual traditions have long taught the principle of renewal. Whether framed as rebirth, resurrection, or transformation, there is a deep well of wisdom that insists: hardship does not have the final say. By tapping into these teachings—through reading, ritual, or reflection—we affirm that every trial has the potential to spark new growth.
- Collective energy and support: Community worship services, online spiritual gatherings, or supportive circles amplify our individual strength. The shared energy of people united in hope and belief can combat despair. In gathering—physically or virtually—we remind one another that no one faces this alone.
Embracing Your Transgender Journey as Sacred
For many transgender individuals, coming into one’s gender identity is a profound, transformative journey—one that can be understood as spiritual in its very essence. It involves deep introspection, courage, and ultimately self-actualization. In a political environment that challenges our rights, it can be an act of spiritual defiance to remember: Your identity is valid, holy, and worthy—period.
Naming and Affirming
- Affirmations: Start each day with simple, spoken affirmations that affirm your existence, such as: “My truth is sacred,” or “I deserve safety and love.” This practice combats the daily barrage of negativity that might come from the news cycle or social media.
- Sacred space: Whether it’s a corner of your bedroom or a quiet spot at the local park, create a small “altar” or oasis for reflection. You might place meaningful objects there—a favorite stone, a candle, or a photo—and use this space for centering yourself in the morning or before bed.
Ritualizing Moments of Change
- Milestone ceremonies: If you’re in the process of medically or legally transitioning, consider marking important steps with personal rituals. Even something as modest as lighting a candle while reading your updated legal name documents can infuse these moments with reverence.
- Community celebrations: Name-change parties, transition anniversaries, or monthly meetups can serve as communal rituals where trans friends and allies gather to celebrate growth and offer mutual support.
Reflecting on Personal Growth
- Journaling: Documenting your journey—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—highlights progress and lessons learned. When the political environment gets rough, these reflections serve as a reminder of your strength.
- Artistic expression: Poetry, painting, or music can become spiritual expressions of your authentic self. They allow you to channel both joy and pain into creations that honor your truth.
Resilience in the Face of Renewed Fear
We know the stakes. Another four years under a Trump administration (this time the second term) may mean continued or intensified attacks on LGBTQ+ rights. Healthcare access could remain precarious or become more restrictive. Educational policies might marginalize trans students further. It’s no wonder that many feel a looming sense of dread.
Understanding Fear and Its Sources
Fear is a normal reaction to perceived threats—be they legislative, social, or personal. In 2025, many of these threats are not only perceived but palpable: from hateful rhetoric online to actual policy changes. Acknowledging the reality of fear without succumbing to it is part of staying grounded. Denying fear can make it fester and grow, but facing it allows us to channel that energy productively.
Spiritual Tools for Resilience
- Daily centering: A simple ritual—like closing your eyes for one minute and taking three intentional breaths—anchors you amidst chaos. Visualize drawing strength from the collective energy of the trans community worldwide.
- Mantras and prayers: In tough moments, reciting a mantra or prayer you find empowering can be enough to disrupt a spiral of anxiety or despair. Something as direct as “I am here. I am loved. I will endure,” repeated with conviction, can reset your mental state.
- Reconnecting with nature: If you have access to a park, forest, beach, or even a quiet backyard, spend time there. The cycles of nature remind us of transformation and renewal—night turns to day, winter turns to spring. That continuity can be reassuring in times of political upheaval.
Practical Strategies for Self-Care and Protection
One of the lessons from the last administration (2017–2021) was that emotional and physical well-being must be safeguarded proactively. Hope and action must go hand in hand.
Physical and Legal Safety
- Know your rights (again): Over the past four years, legal protections for transgender individuals may have shifted. Stay informed about local and federal policies. Organizations like the ACLU, Lambda Legal, and the National Center for Transgender Equality offer resources and hotlines.
- Secure important documents: Keep your legal name-change papers, updated IDs, and any relevant medical documents in a safe, easily accessible place. If possible, create digital backups in secure cloud storage.
- Build a safety network: Identify trusted friends, neighbors, or community organizations you can call on if you feel threatened. Simple measures—like having a “buddy” accompany you to protests or activism events—can offer greater security.
Emotional Well-Being
- Therapeutic support: Mental health professionals who specialize in or are deeply knowledgeable about transgender issues can provide crucial coping mechanisms. Teletherapy options have expanded, so even if local resources are limited, online therapy might be an option.
- Peer support groups: In-person or online support groups—especially those with moderated, respectful discussion—offer a space to vent, share resources, and celebrate small victories. The community aspect can be incredibly healing.
- Digital boundaries: Curate your social media feeds. Misinformation, trolling, and hateful posts have escalated in recent years. Decide on a time limit for doomscrolling. Balance staying informed with the need to protect your mental health.
Spiritual and Psychological Shields
- Ritual for releasing negativity: Each night, reflect on any incidents or conversations that hurt you. Write them down briefly, then dispose of them in a symbolic way—shredding, burning, or burying the paper—to signify letting go.
- Sacred activism: If activism is part of your life, integrate prayer or meditation before and after events. Center yourself on values like compassion, justice, and love so your activism feels rooted in something positive rather than solely in reaction to injustice.
- Allies as buffers: Families and friends can help filter out toxic media or handle uncomfortable conversations so you can focus on self-care. Allies can volunteer to stay alert on news updates or policy changes, summarizing key points for you, so you don’t have to wade through the negativity yourself.
Spiritual Activism: From Outrage to Purpose
While it’s tempting to see spiritual and political efforts as separate, for many trans folks and allies, they flow together. Defending rights, advocating for change, and supporting the vulnerable are deeply moral and spiritual acts.
The Sanctity of Advocacy
Activism can be thought of as an expression of radical love—a collective stand against oppression and a commitment to nurturing the well-being of all. If you are spiritually inclined, consider framing your activism as a natural outgrowth of your faith or guiding principles.
- Prayerful protest: Before attending rallies or marches, spend a few moments in reflective silence or prayer. Dedicate your action to the well-being of the entire trans community. By grounding activism in compassion, you reduce the risk of burnout fueled purely by anger.
- Focus on the vulnerable: True spiritual activism centers the needs of those most impacted by discrimination—trans people of color, youth, and those lacking economic resources. Volunteer, donate, and uplift their voices in your networks.
Avoiding Burnout
- Self-check intervals: After any activism or high-stress event, make it a habit to pause for a few minutes. Ask, “How am I feeling—physically, mentally, and spiritually?” This practice normalizes self-care in the midst of ongoing resistance.
- Delegate and collaborate: If you’re part of an activist group, rotate tasks so that no one person shoulders too heavy a burden. Collaboration is key to sustaining a movement for four more years.
- Community rituals: Consider hosting monthly online or in-person gatherings specifically for decompressing after protests or legislative battles. Share stories, meditate together, and recharge.
Transforming Anger
Anger is a valid reaction to injustice. Channeled productively, it can fuel change; left unchecked, it can turn into bitterness and despair. Cultivate compassion—even for those you vehemently oppose—so the movement for trans rights does not morph into a mirror of the hate it seeks to end. Hold leaders accountable, but protect your heart from becoming consumed by rage.
The Power of Community: We Are Not Alone
Isolation can intensify fear. One of the strongest antidotes is community—a spiritual, emotional, and social pillar that keeps us connected to hope and shared goals.
Faith Communities for Support
Even if formal religion isn’t your path, there are many progressive and affirming faith groups that openly welcome transgender members. The past decade has seen more and more churches, synagogues, mosques, and other spiritual communities making explicit commitments to inclusion.
- Inclusive policies: Look for “Open and Affirming” or “Reconciling” statements from churches, or check if religious denominations have official stances supporting LGBTQ+ rights.
- Interfaith collaborations: LGBTQ+-friendly congregations often team up for special services, memorials (like Transgender Day of Remembrance), and activism events.
Secular and LGBTQ+ Community Centers
- Supportive hubs: Local LGBTQ+ centers offer everything from name-change clinics to mindfulness workshops. Their staff often include social workers who know how to navigate legal hurdles or connect you with healthcare resources.
- Online gatherings: If you live in a conservative area where in-person resources are scarce, online gatherings via Zoom or other platforms can bridge that gap. You can find spiritual discussion groups, mental health support, and more.
Allies Stepping Up
Allies—friends, co-workers, neighbors, and extended family—can act as spiritual partners in this struggle. They can use their platforms to educate, intervene in transphobic conversations, and promote acceptance. Encourage the allies in your life to transform empathetic words into tangible support, such as:
- Accompanying trans individuals to medical or legal appointments
- Contributing to or organizing fundraisers for trans-focused nonprofits
- Proactively checking in on friends who are anxious about potential hostility
Allies might not face discrimination firsthand, but they can still feel spiritual solidarity, fueling efforts that uplift the entire community.
A Glimpse of What’s Possible: Words of Encouragement
We made it through one Trump presidency, and here we are again at the start of another. The journey ahead is challenging, but not hopeless. As these next 1,460 days unfold, remember:
Your Existence is a Beacon
Every day you show up as yourself—authentically, boldly—you stand against systems that wish you’d remain invisible or silent. In doing so, you shine a light of possibility for younger generations and anyone still wrestling with self-acceptance.
History Twists, But Progress Endures
Progress often happens in waves, with forward motion and setbacks. Recall that the visibility of transgender issues has surged in the past decade. Public figures, TV shows, books, and advocacy campaigns have shifted national conversations about gender identity. Even in adverse political conditions, these cultural changes don’t just evaporate. They remain a source of hope, a foundation upon which further progress can be built.
Compassion Strengthens You
While anger can energize short bursts of activism, compassion offers a steadier, more sustaining force. Compassion for yourself—recognizing your need for rest, healing, and validation—and compassion for others, including those who have yet to understand trans realities, can keep your spirit intact. Softening your heart does not mean surrendering your rights; it means refusing to be defined by hatred.
The Bottom Line
As we step into 2025 under the banner of another Trump presidency, let us acknowledge our fears and frustrations while also celebrating the resilience that has carried us this far. The transgender community—augmented by loving families, friends, and allies—continues to carve out spaces of sanctuary and empowerment. Spiritual practice, in whatever form resonates with you, remains a critical source of grounding. It nurtures the inner flame that keeps hope alive.
For transgender individuals: Your life, your spirit, and your journey are precious. Political winds may shift, but your innate worth is not up for debate.
For families and allies: Your steadfast support can act as a shield against the harm of hateful policies and rhetoric. Let your love be constant. Let your advocacy be vocal. Let your actions reflect the truth you’ve already embraced: Trans lives are worthy of respect, dignity, and celebration.
With each passing day—1,460 and counting until this term ends—take comfort in the knowledge that you are part of a grand tapestry of people who refuse to let fear and intolerance prevail. When the political storms rage, find refuge in sacred practices or quiet contemplation. Draw strength from community. And above all, hold fast to the certainty that our collective resolve for justice will outlast any administration bent on turning back the clock.
We have been here before. We are still standing. And we will stand together until this, too, becomes a chapter we have weathered and overcome.
