Surviving a Tsunami of Hate: Life as a Trans Person in Trump's America
Living Conditions for Trans Individuals under Trump Administration
For Elijah Nicholas, the current validity of his American passport is a temporary reprieve. With its expiration date in 2030, the concerns about what lies ahead for him as a trans man are very real.
In its current form, the passport would not register his gender as male, as the U.S. issues documents with gender markers conforming to those assigned at birth. Moreover, the Department of State's recent decision to abolish the third gender option has left trans and non-binary individuals ostracized.
Sharon Horne, a researcher specializing in mental health at the University of Massachusetts Boston among LGBTQIA+ people, believes the implementation of President Trump's orders further marginalizes trans and non-binary individuals, increasing the risk of discrimination, targeted attacks, and threats to their personal safety. Horne also voices concerns regarding the mental well-being of those being impacted by such policies.
A 2020 study published in "The Lancet Public Health" found a link between identification documents and the mental health of adult trans and non-binary individuals. The research demonstrated that those whose identity documents accurately reflected their preferred names and genders experienced fewer instances of severe mental distress, suicidal thoughts, and plans, as compared to those whose documents did not.
The new passport rule is just one example of the Trump administration's antagonism towards the trans community. Another instance is the proposed exclusion of trans individuals from the military, which is currently being pursued by the Department of Defense. Trump has also signed an executive order that would bar trans people from participating in women's sports, primarily in public schools and universities, with non-compliant states potentially facing the loss of federal funding.
Feelings of depression and anxiety among LGBTQIA+ individuals escalate under political pressure to diminish their rights, according to Horne. The trans community is particularly vulnerable to such impacts.
Rising Against Adversity in a Divided Land
Living in a climate of fear and uncertainty, trans people find themselves struggling amidst the ongoing celebrations marking WorldPride in the U.S.A. Speaking of these challenging times, trans activist and actor Elijah Nicholas offers a simple yet powerfully defiant statement: "It means resistance."
As WorldPride events reach their climax in Washington D.C., the capital city has been adorned with rainbow symbols since mid-May, decorating streets, buildings, and restaurant patios. However, it's unclear how one can truly celebrate Pride in such a fraught period.
Nicholas is currently in Washington to coordinate the National March for Trans Visibility, an event organized in partnership with WorldPride and scheduled for the closing day of the festivities. His first priority is ensuring the safety of attendees at the event, which has attracted widespread support from across the nation.
Following a separate rally, the march will unite participants and proceed to a central WorldPride closing event, culminating in the Freedom March on the National Mall. Beginning at the Lincoln Memorial, the march will pass by the White House and conclude at the Capitol. Nicholas' ideal outcome for the event is a powerful reminder of our collective resolve: "To demonstrate - to Washington, D.C., and the world - that trans people cannot and will not be erased."
Sources: ntv.de, Franziska Spiecker, dpa
- Donald Trump
- Transgender
- Discrimination
- USA
- LGBTIQ
Enrichment Data:
Mental Health Impact
- Restrictions on Care: The administration's policies restricting access to gender-affirming care can worsen mental health issues among transgender youth. state laws banning such care have led to increased stress and anxiety for families navigating these restrictions[1].
- Executive Orders: The administration's policies encouraging discrimination against transgender people across federal agencies foster a toxic environment that promotes stigma and discrimination, further affecting mental health[5].
- Military Ban and Social Exclusion: The trans military ban, and policies discouraging the use of correct pronouns and gender-affirming clothing, perpetuate a culture of marginalization, leading to feelings of isolation and decreased mental well-being[4][3].
Travel Safety and Documentation
- Passport Policy Changes: The suspension of policies that allow transgender and non-binary individuals to update their sex designations on passports can lead to the use of inconsistent documentation, increasing risks for travelers, particularly when crossing borders[5].
- Travel Anxiety: The uncertainty and potential discrimination due to incorrect documentation can heighten anxiety and stress for trans and non-binary travelers, negatively impacting their overall travel experience and safety[5].
The community and employment policies during Trump's presidency, influenced by his politics, have posed a significant threat to the mental health of transgender individuals in the general-news sector of the USA. The administration's executive orders encouraging discrimination and restrictions on care, such as the suspension of updated passport policies, increase travel safety risks and anxiety for trans and non-binary travelers. Furthermore, the proposed military ban and social exclusion policies foster a culture of marginalization, worsening mental health issues among transgender youth.
In response to these adversities, trans activist Elijah Nicholas is organizing the National March for Trans Visibility during WorldPride events in Washington D.C. His aim is to demonstrate a unified resistance against discrimination and promote the well-being of the trans community.
