Beyond Apprehension and Dissent: Navigating Life as a Trans Person under Trump
Life Experiences of Transgender Individuals Under Trump Administration
Elijah Nicholas, a trans man, doesn't have to fret about his American passport just yet. It's valid until 2030. But the uncertainty afterward hangs heavy.
Under the current rules, Elijah wouldn't receive a passport with a gender marker matching his identity as male. The U.S. only issues passports with a gender marker conforming to the one assigned at birth.
Spotlight Emblem of the LGBTQ+ movement: Stonewall monument omits trans people The lack of a third gender option, coincidentally announced by the U.S. Department of State a few months back, follows an order from President Trump.
Trans and non-binary individuals feel "delegitimized" by this change, says Elijah. Traveling becomes a risky endeavor, uncertain how foreign borders may regard their identities. Trans people do not identify with the gender assigned at birth. Non-binary people do not identify, or only partially identify, as male or female.
"This decision essentially invalidates one's gender identity," explains Sharon Horne, a mental health researcher at the University of Massachusetts Boston among LGBTQIA+ individuals. The acronym encompasses lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, and asexual people, with a plus sign representing other identities and genders.
Horne warns that increased targeting, discrimination, and threats at borders come with this new rule. Mental health implications are equally concerning.
A study published in "The Lancet Public Health" in 2020 examined the connection between the gender marker on IDs and the mental health of adult trans and non-binary individuals in the U.S. Those whose identity documents corresponded to their preferred name and gender marker experienced less severe mental distress, suicidal thoughts, and plans compared to those not so fortunate[4].
Trump's Transphobia: Not Just a Passport Issue
The U.S. government's actions against trans people aren't limited to official documents. Another instance is their exclusion from the U.S. military, a move the Department of Defense is pushing aggressively. Trump also signed a decree in February that would exclude trans people from women's sports, particularly in public schools and universities[2]. Non-compliant states could face the loss of federal funds.
When political pressure to restrict their rights intensifies, LGBTQIA+ people report increased depression and anxiety. This is particularly true for those most affected, such as trans people[4].
WorldPride Amid Fear and Doubt
LGBTQIA+ individuals find themselves living in a "space of apprehension and uncertainty" in the U.S. today. This climate poses a unique challenge to Washington, D.C., the host of the WorldPride festival this year and the city that witnessed the first Pride event 50 years ago.
Symbols of the rainbow can be spotted throughout the city since mid-May, adorning lampposts, shop windows, street art, and outdoor restaurant areas. However, the meaning of Pride in the current environment is questionable.
"It signifies dissent," says Elijah, unequivocally. WorldPride this year will represent both celebration and resistance, ensuring "we have a place, we demand equal rights."
Spotlight Right-wing queer hatred: "It starts with minorities, but ends in the middle" Elijah hails from the state of Georgia, where he's an actor, author, and trans activist. He's currently in D.C., co-organizing the National March for the Visibility of Trans People, a partner event of WorldPride. Scheduled to take place on the last day of the festival on Sunday, the march is their response to the challenges facing trans people under Trump[1].
"Safety is our top priority for the march," Elijah emphasizes. His team is collaborating closely with WorldPride to ensure safety. First will be a separate rally drawing thousands from around the country. Following that, participants will unite for a Freedom March on the National Mall, starting at the Lincoln Memorial and passing the White House and Capitol[1].
The ultimate aim of the march? "To demonstrate to Washington, D.C., and the world that trans people cannot and will not be ignored."
- Donald Trump
- Transgender
- Discrimination
- USA
- LGBTIQ
Additional Insights
- Transgender women are frequently housed in men's prisons, exposing them to sexual assault, harsh conditions, and discrimination[2]. A recent court ruling temporarily blocked the administration's policy aimed to stop federal funding for gender-affirming treatments and housing transgender women in men's prisons[1].
- The suspension of the State Department's policy for updating sex designations on passports has caused withheld or incorrectly issued passports, leading to legal challenges[5].
- State-level bans on gender-affirming care for transgender youth have caused increased psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and even suicide attempts among young people[3].
- Trump's policies have adversely affected the mental health of trans and non-binary individuals across the U.S.[4].
- Organizations such as the ACLU and the Transgender Law Center have filed lawsuits against Trump's policies, arguing they violate constitutional rights[1][5].
- Trump's administration's actions have created a hostile environment for transgender individuals, compelling them to hide their identities and socially withdraw, destabilizing healthcare systems, and undermining civil society[3].
- The U.S.'s employment policy, as dictated by President Trump, has led to increased targeting, discrimination, and threats for trans and non-binary individuals, not just in the realm of official documents but also in various aspects of life, such as employment and access to healthcare.
- The current community policy under President Trump, including changes to employment and passport policies, has been coined 'Trump's Transphobia' by general-news outlets, due to the significant adverse effects it has on the mental health and well-being of trans and non-binary individuals in the U.S.
