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The Trump Administration Has Declared War on Trans People. Fight Back.

Well, it’s happening. As I write this, the absolute worst president of my lifetime (and quite possibly ever!) is being sworn in to do the job again. At least I’m assuming it’s happening. I’m not watching it on TV because I don’t hate myself.

There are many reasons to fear a second Trump Administration even for those who voted for him because they know nothing about the Republican Party platform and mostly voted for Trump because of racism or some absolutely delusional idea that somehow with Trump in charge they will get more money in their pockets. And they’re right about that last part, IF they’re already rich.

To show how serious he is that he supports the common (white) man, Trump’s first order of business after being sworn in was to put a stop to wage theft, significantly lower gas prices, and cut egg prices to $10 a dozen (keep in mind that Trump thinks they cost $50 a dozen because he’s never been grocery shopping in his life).



Haha. Just kidding. His first order of business is to make the lives of transgender Americans worse.

According to The Advocate, “One of Trump’s first executive orders will require federal agencies to define sex as strictly either male or female. This directive will eliminate recognition of transgender and nonbinary identities at the federal level, barring individuals from updating gender markers on passports and other federal documents that currently allow for ‘X’ gender markers. The Biden administration had allowed such updates, viewing them as critical for equality for nonbinary people.”

That’s going to make it very hard for transgender people to travel outside of the country, never mind dealing with all of the other federal documents that include gender identity markers.

He’s also going to ban transgender people from the military as a “cost saving measure.” See, Trump, who is proudly ignorant, thinks that trans people join the military to get free gender affirmation surgery. Transgender service members couldn’t possibly be dedicated to serving their country. Nope, it’s that sweet free top surgery they’re after.

Obviously that is not true. But I have to say, even if it was true, who cares? I mean, serving in the military is not exactly an easy job. In fact it’s a job that most Americans do not want to do, including Trump. So if someone wants to serve in the military, the least we can do for them is to make sure they get the medical care they need.

He’s also going to ban transgender women in sports. “[Trump] has argued this measure ensures fairness in competition despite a lack of evidence supporting widespread advantages for transgender athletes,” The Advocate reports. “Advocacy groups have called such a ban harmful and rooted in misinformation. Despite the exceedingly small number of trans athletes who participate in competitive sports, Republicans have made targeting them a priority.”

It’s a ridiculous thing to focus on considering there are so many actual problems that exist and need desperately to be addressed. And I hurt for the trans athletes who are being targeted. It must feel so awful to have the most powerful leader in the world demonizing you. It’s truly sick and depraved.

So, what can you do?

If you are trans, there are many resources available such as the Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860) and The Trevor Project. GLAAD has many more resources available on its website. If you are in crisis, please ask for help. It’s a very hard thing to do, but you are worthy of support and deserve happiness.

If you’re not trans, you can donate to the above organizations so that they can continue to offer much-needed resources.

You can also be an ally and advocate. And I mean be an advocate in an intentional way. It’s not enough in these dire times to be passively supportive, i.e., “I’m fine with trans people” or “I don’t have a problem with trans people.” While certainly better than being anti-trans, it doesn’t materially change things for trans people who are fighting for their lives right now. It doesn’t protect them. It doesn’t give them hope. You can do more than the bare minimum.

Advocates for Trans Equality has a very good guide to being an ally. I highly recommend you read it and take it to heart. In fact, even if you are trans, it couldn’t hurt to read it, especially if you have people in your life who you would like to ask for support.

Above all, don’t give up and don’t give in. We need each other more than ever right now. Support each other, love each other, and help each other get through each day.



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