As a transgender woman and an advocate for the rights of our community, I find it imperative to address the clear and present dangers posed by the potential re-election of Donald Trump. His recent remarks and past actions represent not only a step back but a potential unraveling of the hard-won protections for transgender individuals in the United States.
In April, the Biden administration made a historic stride forward by expanding Title IX protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity. This amendment guarantees that transgender students can attend school in an environment free from discrimination—a fundamental right that should be indisputable in a society that values equality and justice. However, former President Trump’s pledge to dismantle these protections “on day one” of his potential second term presents a dire threat to the safety and well-being of transgender youth across the nation.
Trump’s rhetoric and proposed policies go beyond the revocation of transgender protections under Title IX. His plans include a nationwide ban on transgender student-athletes competing in accordance with their gender identity and a federal law that rigidly defines gender as either male or female. Furthermore, Trump has vowed to penalize healthcare providers who offer gender-affirming care to minors, a critical service that supports the physical and mental health of transgender individuals.
These proposed policies are not merely regressive; they are actively harmful. They foster an environment of exclusion and prejudice, directly attacking the dignity and rights of transgender people. By denying the existence and rights of transgender individuals, Trump’s policies could lead to increased rates of bullying, discrimination, and mental health issues among vulnerable youth.
The impacts of such policies extend beyond individual students. School districts, particularly those in conservative areas, might feel emboldened to flout federal guidelines, as seen with Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’s directive to defy the new regulations. This not only sows confusion but also encourages a fragmented educational system where the rights and safety of students vary wildly from one state to another.
Moreover, the legal battles likely to ensue from the enforcement of Trump’s policies could drain considerable public resources and divert attention from other crucial educational priorities. Over a dozen Republican-led states have already mounted lawsuits challenging the Biden administration’s expansion of Title IX protections, aiming to block them from taking effect. This litigation, while costly, also places countless students in a precarious position as they wait for a resolution.
Education, at its core, is about fostering growth, understanding, and preparation for the challenges of adulthood. When policies and political rhetoric aim to restrict and erase the identity of transgender students, they do the opposite. They create an environment of fear and exclusion that undermines learning and personal development.
For voters who care about the future of all students—including those who are transgender—it’s crucial to understand the stakes of the 2024 presidential election. The choice we make will either support the continuation of progress toward inclusivity and equality or allow the reinstatement of policies that segregate and diminish our youth.
This is not just a political issue; it’s a deeply personal one affecting the lives of many young and vulnerable people in our country. As a community and a nation, we must choose leaders who will defend and uphold the rights of all citizens, regardless of gender identity. The promise of America is built on the foundation of freedom and justice for all, and we are called upon now to uphold these ideals.
The fight for transgender rights is a fight for human rights. As voters, our decisions at the ballot box this November can affirm our commitment to these principles. Let us stand together against policies that seek to divide and discriminate. Let us vote for progress, for justice, and for a future where every student has the opportunity to learn and grow in an environment free from discrimination. This November, let us show that America’s heart is big enough to embrace all, regardless of how they identify.
