Trump's First 100 Days: An Assault on Transgender Rights
- Apr 29
- 4 min read
Updated: May 1
By: Cassandra Williamson
Veteran: USN, USMC, USNA '84
Examining Trump's First 100 Days: Impact on Transgender Rights
The initial 100 days of President Donald Trump's second term have revealed a focused and forceful agenda targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, with a particular emphasis on Transgender Americans. Heavily influenced by the conservative Christian principles of Project 2025, this early period has been characterized by executive actions and rhetoric that threaten the rights and well-being of transgender people.1
Swift Executive Actions and Divisive Rhetoric:
Within his first 100 days, President Trump signed executive orders specifically aimed at the transgender community, disseminating harmful and inaccurate information that disregards the existence of intersex individuals and the long history of gender diversity across cultures.1 A key order declared that the federal government would only recognize two genders.2
Efforts to Erase LGBTQ+ History and Resources:
The administration has taken steps to remove accurate LGBTQ+ history and resources from government platforms. This includes the removal of the word "transgender" from the National Park's Stonewall National Monument website and the flagging of online content containing terms like "gay," "trans," and "transgender".1
Challenges to Identity Documents and Healthcare Access:
An executive order attempting to ban accurate passports for transgender and intersex individuals was partially blocked by a federal judge, who recognized its basis in "irrational prejudice".1 Similarly, an executive order seeking to restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare for individuals under 19 was also halted by the courts.1 Efforts to limit gender-affirming care in federal prisons have also faced legal challenges.1 Project 2025 outlines further plans to restrict gender-affirming care for transgender adults by potentially cutting funding to healthcare providers.2
Military Service Under Attack:
President Trump issued an executive order to reinstate a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. This discriminatory measure was blocked by a U.S. District Court judge who deemed it likely unconstitutional and "soaked with animus".1 The administration is currently appealing this decision.1
Threats Against Healthcare Providers and Further Restrictions:
The administration has continued to baselessly threaten to criminalize healthcare providers who offer gender-affirming care, despite the widespread support for such care from major medical associations.1 Additional measures being pursued include ending data collection on gender identity, prohibiting funding for gender dysphoria treatment for military members, and rescinding Biden-era Title IX rules related to sexual assault and discrimination, as well as guidance adding a "non-binary" option in civil rights data collection from schools.3 There have also been discussions about potentially classifying educators and librarians who discuss "transgender ideology" with minors as "sex offenders" and redefining "sex" as a fixed biological fact in Title IX.3
The Role of Anti-Transgender Advocacy:
The prominent involvement of Riley Gaines, an advocate for banning transgender women from women's sports, in the administration's women's health initiatives further illustrates its stance on transgender issues.2
Legal Pushback and Community Response:
While the administration has aggressively pursued this agenda, many of these actions have been met with legal challenges and have been blocked by the courts.4 LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have strongly condemned these harmful policies.1
The Path Forward for Transgender Americans:
In these challenging times, transgender Americans can take several crucial steps to navigate the turmoil and build resilience:
Seek and Strengthen Community: Connect with local and national LGBTQ+ organizations and support networks. Sharing experiences and finding solidarity within the community is vital for emotional well-being.1
Know Your Rights: Stay informed about the current legal landscape and any changes in policies that may affect you. Organizations like the ACLU and GLAAD provide up-to-date information and legal resources.1
Advocate and Engage: Participate in advocacy efforts by contacting elected officials, sharing your story, and supporting organizations working to protect transgender rights. Your voice matters in shaping public discourse and policy.1
Prioritize Mental and Physical Health: The current political climate can take a toll on mental health. Seek support from therapists and mental health professionals who specialize in gender identity. Ensure you have access to necessary healthcare resources and support systems.1
Build Alliances: Connect with allies in the broader community – friends, family, colleagues, and other advocacy groups. Collective action and support from allies can amplify your voice and strengthen the fight for equality.1
Document and Report Discrimination: Keep records of any discriminatory experiences you face and report them to relevant authorities and advocacy organizations. Documentation can be crucial for legal challenges and raising awareness.1
Navigating these times requires strength, resilience, and community. By staying informed, connected, and engaged, transgender Americans can work towards a future where their rights and well-being are protected and affirmed.
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All the best,
Cassandra Williamson
"Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light."
by Dylan Thomas
Assault? I understand that perspective, though I maintain this is a backlash targeting years of extreme activism - the kind of activism that pushes to criminalize incorrect pronoun usage, as one polarizing example. The activism that smacks of entitlement - real or perceived. I'd rank building alliances with people outside the "trans" community near the top. To know and understand a person who happens to be trans supports long-term effectiveness/gains.