In The United states, trump's Election is a serious blow to the rights of transgender people

Article by David Crary, published on AP News (United States) on November 15, 2024. Freely translated by the volunteers of the Gionata project

The elections that reported Donald Trump to the presidency, together with the Republican candidates who conducted large denigration campaigns against transgender people, represent a serious blow to the rights of trans people in the United States. This moment is one of the most difficult periods in the history of the LGBTQ+ American movement.

A palpable fear, but also the desire to resist

For transgender people, the recourse is painfully personal. There is a concrete fear compared to the policies that the new administration could adopt to marginalize them further. However, a strong determination to resist and continue the struggle for acceptance and understanding is made alongside the fear.

Jennifer Finney Boylan, transgender author and teacher at Barnard College in New York, described the current climate as follows:

“During the election i couldn't watch a sporting event on TV without coming across ads that painted trans people as monsters. this Moment hurts more than any other i can remember. but we have Been defeated before, and we will be defeated again. the Only thing we can do is fight.”

A growing backlash

In recent years, Republican-led states have passed dozens of laws aimed at limiting transgender people's access to medical care, sports and public spaces. According to an AP VoteCast poll of more than 120,000 voters, 55% of respondents – and as many as 85% of Trump supporters – believe support for transgender rights has gone “too far.”

Shannon Minter, a civil rights attorney at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, commented:

“This is a scary time for transgender people and their families. The policies that could be adopted by the new administration risk causing devastating damage.”

Trump's threats to the rights of transgender people

Donald Trump based part of his campaign on anti-trans messages, such as the commercial “Kamala is for the 'they/them'. Trump is for you,” which ridiculed Vice President Kamala Harris and her support for LGBTQ+ rights. Now, with Republican control of the House and Senate, an offensive against the rights of transgender people is expected on various fronts:

Education: Trump has promised restrictions for transgender students, such as exclusion from title iX Protections On pronouns, bathrooms and locker rooms.

Healthcare: At least 26 states have already limited or banned gender-affirming care for transgender minors. Trump has proposed excluding doctors and hospitals that provide this care from the Medicaid and Medicare programs.

Sports: Trump has championed the slogan “boys in girls' sports,” and many states have already banned transgender women from competing in women's events.

Military: Activists fear Trump could reinstate a ban on transgender people serving openly in the military or limit their recruitment.

Anger, anxiety and some victories

Despite the intolerant climate, there have been some significant successes. Sarah McBride was elected as the first openly transgender person to Congress for the state of Delaware, and Zooey Zephyr, a transgender state legislator from Montana, was re-elected after coming under heavy attack from her Republican colleagues.

But nationwide, anger and anxiety dominate among activists. Shelby Chestnut, director of the Transgender Law Center, said: “Transgender people have become pawns for political groups that don't understand our communities. It's a difficult time, but we can overcome it if we support each other.”

An appeal for solidarity

Christine Zuba, a transgender woman from New Jersey, shared a message of hope:

“Don't isolation. Surround yourself with the people who love you and love you. Don't despair. There are many people who will work with you and for you. "

Maxwell Kuzma, a transgender man of Ohio, also spoke of resilience: "Being a transgender person made me discover an inner force that allows me to continue fighting against prejudice and discrimination."

Original text: Transgender-Rights advocates say the eLECTION of Trump and his allies marks in major setback