As spring deepens across the U.S., the political chill facing transgender people shows no sign of thawing. From statehouse showdowns to viral misinformation, the second week of April brought both devastating losses and flashes of resilience across our community. Whether you’re catching up or trying to make sense of the chaos, here’s what you need to know.
Policy Warfare: State and Federal Attacks Escalate
In an increasingly hostile political environment, lawmakers and officials continued targeting trans rights through both direct and indirect means.
In Maine, the state is suing the USDA after federal officials froze funding for nutritional programs over the state’s refusal to comply with a federal trans sports ban—a dramatic escalation in the Biden-to-Trump-era policy shift now punishing states for being trans-inclusive.
Meanwhile, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched a new investigation—this time into USA Fencing, accusing the organization of breaking state laws by allowing transgender athletes to compete. The move comes amid a growing trend of states using consumer protection laws to police trans inclusion in sports.
Over in Montana, however, a rare win: the state House rejected a bill that would have criminalized parents and caregivers for helping minors access gender-affirming care. While other anti-trans bills are still moving through the legislature, this particular proposal was voted down by a bipartisan majority.
And on Capitol Hill, Senator Tommy Tuberville offered a now-familiar culture war rallying cry, blaming “woke globalists” for the inclusion of trans athletes in international competition. His comments, more soundbite than substance, signal how entrenched the transphobia-fueled rhetoric has become in the 2025 political landscape.
Media & Misinformation: When Visibility Sparks Backlash
The media battleground saw some powerful voices stepping into the fray—and getting scorched.
On Last Week Tonight, John Oliver delivered a fierce defense of trans athletes, calling out the hypocrisy of bans and misinformation. But it didn’t go unanswered: J.K. Rowling fired back online, escalating a long-simmering feud and once again stoking anti-trans discourse among her base.
Meanwhile, Kanye West made headlines for all the wrong reasons, unleashing a string of alarming transphobic tweets. The posts were riddled with cruelty and ignorance, and while they were quickly condemned, they racked up millions of views—yet another example of how platforms continue to amplify hate.
One story getting less attention—but just as consequential—was a defamation lawsuit filed by a transgender military helicopter pilot, falsely blamed by a right-wing influencer for a deadly crash. The case highlights how trans people are increasingly targeted by conspiracy theories with real-life consequences.
Violence, Loss, and Legal Battles: The Human Cost
The weight of anti-trans sentiment was felt in tragedy this week.
In Kansas City, a man was charged with a brutal assault on a transgender woman, an incident being investigated as a possible hate crime. The attack is part of a troubling pattern of increased violence, especially against Black and brown trans women.
Globally, the community in Colombia is mourning the murder of Millerey, a beloved trans woman whose killing has sparked international outrage. Activists are demanding justice and visibility for trans victims of violence in Latin America, where protections are often weaker and discrimination runs deep.
Back in the U.S., decades of LGBTQ+ health research at Northwestern University were gutted as federal funding cuts under the Trump administration take hold. The Department of Medical Social Sciences lost key programs supporting trans and queer health equity, undermining years of life-saving progress.
Science & Health: A Ray of Hope Amid the Storm
In better news, a new systematic review on hormone therapy and HIV care is offering hope. The study, which focused on drug interactions between gender-affirming hormones and antiretroviral therapy, suggests that with careful management, trans people living with HIV can receive effective, safe care. It’s a much-needed reminder that science, when allowed to speak, can be a tool for healing rather than harm.
WorldPride Warnings: Celebrating Under Threat
With WorldPride 2025 set to take place in Washington, D.C., organizers issued a travel advisory for transgender international visitors, citing the Trump administration’s recent policies and rising risks. While the event is still expected to draw massive crowds, the warning underscores the uncertainty trans people now face—even in cities that once felt safe.
The Bottom Line
This week was a rollercoaster of injustice, backlash, and grief—but also of resistance, truth-telling, and solidarity.
From the halls of power to the streets of Bogotá, trans voices are under attack—but they are also refusing to be silenced. Lawsuits are being filed. Policies are being challenged. Truth is being spoken—sometimes on national television.
The world is watching. So are we.
We’ll be back next week to help you stay informed, empowered, and connected—because in times like these, information is more than survival.
We see you. We’re with you. And we’re not going anywhere.
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