Dlooped Identities: How Trans Lives Erode Under Trump's Reign
Life Experiences of Transgender Individuals During Trump's Presidency
With the end of WorldPride in the USA, trans individuals have little to cheer for. Uncertainty looms as they face a future of restricted rights that threatens their identity and safety.
Currently, Elijah Nicholas, a 55-year-old trans man, doesn't fret much about his impending American passport renewal. Its expiration date stretches to 2030. Yet the uncertainties that linger thereafter leave him tentative.
U.S. regulations still prohibit passports with gender markers other than those assigned at birth. Thus, post-2030, Elijah risks being denied a passport that officially recognizes his male identity.
Stripping away the third gender option aside from male and female, the U.S. Department of State recently implemented a directive from President Trump, a move that delegitimizes trans people and non-binary individuals, according to Elijah. This change also poses security risks when traveling abroad, as trans people may encounter unfamiliar and potentially dangerous conditions.
"This order feels like the erasing of one's own identity," remarks Sharon Horne, a researcher of mental health among LGBTQIA+ individuals at the University of Massachusetts Boston. She expresses concerns about the increased risk of discrimination and violence that this new regulation might bring about.
The research people with trans and non-binary identities are more likely to face mental health concerns if their official documents do not reflect their preferred names and genders, warns Horne.
The Trump administration's antagonism toward trans people extends beyond passport regulations. In February, he signed an executive order to exclude trans individuals from the military and women's sports, particularly in public schools and universities. States failing to comply risk the withdrawal of federal funding.
The psychological impact of political pressure aimed at limiting their rights causes higher rates of depression and anxiety among LGBTQIA+ people, with trans individuals bearing the brunt of these measures, observes Horne.
This year, Washington D.C. is hosting WorldPride, celebrating its 50th anniversary since the first Pride event. The city teems with rainbow-themed decorations - flags, artworks, and restaurant accents. But for many trans individuals, the question remains - What does it mean to celebrate Pride in these repressive times?
"It signifies resistance," states Elijah resolutely. Amid celebration, resistance persists to ensure trans people have a voice and equal rights.
Elijah, an actor, author, and trans activist living in Georgia, is in Washington for the National March for Trans Visibility, a WorldPride partner event scheduled for the festival's closing day this Sunday. Safety is their primary concern, with careful planning to ensure a secure environment for the march's participants.
Before the march, a separate rally is set to take place, welcoming thousands of attendees from across the country. Together, they will join a large-scale Freedom March on the National Mall, commencing at the Lincoln Memorial and winding its way through the White House, culminating at the Capitol.
Elijah hopes that the march will send a powerful message to Washington D.C., and the world: trans people have the resilience and determination to withstand political attempts to erase their existence.
Reference: ntv.de, Franziska Spiecker, dpa
- Donald Trump
- Transgender
- Discrimination
- USA
- LGBTQ+ Rights
Extra Insights:
Legal Landscape- Lawsuits have been filed against various Trump administration policies, alleging discrimination and violations of the Administrative Procedure Act.- The ACLU represents affected individuals in a legal battle against the passport regulations, seeking preliminary relief and a preliminary injunction for all impacted individuals.
Health Impact- Studies exhibit that trans individuals' mental health concerns decrease when their identity documents align with their preferred names and genders.- Prolonged political pressure against LGBTQ+ people may lead to higher rates of depression and anxiety.
- The Trump administration's policies, such as the community policy on passport regulations, employment policy for the military, and sports participation, have been criticized for discriminating against transgender individuals in the USA, potentially leading to increased mental health concerns among LGBTQ+ people.
- The ongoing politics surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, including the general-news topics of employment policies and the broader discussion on transgender identity, have raised concerns about the erosion of rights and safety for trans individuals in the USA and the impact this may have on their mental health.
