Living in Fear: Transgender Individuals in the U.S.
For transgender people in the United States, life has become increasingly difficult. With policies that undermine their existence and agency, many feel like they are living in enemy territory, especially under the influence of Donald Trump’s policies and rhetoric.
The Numbers: Transgender Population in the U.S.
Adults: Approximately 1.3 million adults identify as transgender in the U.S.
Youth: Around 300,000 young individuals identify as transgender.
Daily Struggles: For these individuals, every day feels like a ticking time bomb due to political and societal pressures.
Trump’s Stance on Transgender Rights
During a speech at AmericaFest, an annual gathering hosted by Turning Point USA (TPUSA), Donald Trump pledged sweeping changes that would severely affect the transgender community:
Executive Orders: Trump vowed to sign orders stopping what he termed “transgender lunacy” on his first day in office.
Military Ban: His proposed ban on transgender individuals in the military could result in:
15,000 Military Personnel: Forced out of service.
Future Recruitment: A prohibition on transgender individuals joining the armed forces.
Schools: He promised to eliminate transgender inclusion in elementary, middle, and high schools.
Sports: Trump vowed to keep “men” out of women’s sports, despite spreading misinformation about female athletes who were assigned female at birth and identify as women.
Religious and Political Backing
Charlie Kirk, TPUSA Director: Claimed Trump’s rise was an act of God, crediting “God Almighty” for his victory.
Campaign Spending: The Trump campaign reportedly allocated $65 million on anti-transgender advertisements, falsely accusing Democrats of supporting extreme policies like taxpayer-funded gender-affirming surgeries for prisoners.
The Impact on Mental Health
LGBTQ+ Youth: According to PBS News, calls to mental health crisis lines spiked by 700% after the election, illustrating the stress and fear experienced by young LGBTQ+ individuals.
Gender-Affirming Care: Research shows that access to gender-affirming care reduces depression, anxiety, and suicidality. How Trump’s policies will impact this essential care remains unclear.
Trump’s “Common-Sense Revolution”
In a 90-minute speech in Phoenix, Trump emphasised his vision for America, which includes:
Official Policy: “There are only two genders, male and female.”
Economic Growth: Promises of a new “golden age” for America.
Anti-Wokeness: A strong stance against what he calls the “woke” culture, including:
Critical Race Theory: Promised to remove it from schools.
Religious Liberty: A vow to protect religious freedoms and free speech.
Public Reaction
Trump’s remarks have sparked significant debate and outrage among LGBTQ+ advocates. His policies are seen as regressive, harmful, and out of touch with the realities faced by transgender individuals in the country.
Conclusion
As the U.S. grapples with the impacts of Trump’s policies, transgender individuals face an uncertain future. With rising mental health concerns and potential legal restrictions, the need for support and advocacy is more critical than ever.
Sources:
PBS News
Turning Point USA Event Reports
Mental Health Research Studies