By: Sahra Mohamed
As Trump continues to impose bans against marginalized groups, the latest ban targeting the trans community is deplorable and inhumane. Since January 27, 2025, the following policies have been enacted by the Trump administration against the trans community:
1. Military Service Restrictions: On January 27, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14183, titled “Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness,” which forbids individuals identifying with a gender different from their biological sex from serving in the U.S. military.
2. Ban on Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports: On February 5, 2025, Trump issued Executive Order 14201, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” barring transgender women and girls from participating in female sports teams.
3. Defining Gender Based on Biological Sex: Another executive order, “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” was signed, forcing federal agencies to acknowledge only two sexes, male and female.
4. Rescinding LGBTQ+ Protections: The administration has revoked previous orders that provided protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, including those related to health care and education, which could lead to more discrimination against the transgender community.
According to The Center of American Progress, studies show that laws not supportive of the transgender and queer communities disproportionately affect people of color, leading to racial disparities that significantly impact their daily lives. Specifically, 24% of LGBTQ+ people of color reported experiencing discrimination within the healthcare system. If providers are unable to offer care based on gender identity, trans individuals will struggle to access the support they need. Insurers may also deny coverage for gender-affirming treatments.
The Center for American Progress also reports that people of color who identify as queer face higher rates of discrimination compared to their white counterparts. Queer youth often face significant challenges in coming out to their family and friends, sharing their identity with very few people compared to their LGBTQ+ peers from White communities. This lack of support from their communities makes it difficult for them to access the help they need.
Trump’s actions against the transgender community in 2025 will have numerous consequences and threaten their livelihoods. Many fear that these actions will further increase discrimination and violence against transgender people. Without legal protections from the federal government, trans individuals may face heightened discrimination in areas such as the workforce, public schools, and common spaces.
A rise in anti-trans sentiment could fuel the formation of more hate groups, leading to harassment and violence. This could result in higher rates of mental health issues, including suicide. Denying transgender individuals access to healthcare and social support can exacerbate their mental health struggles too. According to The Journal of Adolescent Youth, studies show that transgender youth who face rejection and discrimination are at a significantly higher risk of depression and are more likely to contemplate suicide.
When it comes to education and employment, eliminating inclusive policies in schools can lead to increased bullying, creating a hostile learning environment that may contribute to higher dropout rates. In the workforce, transgender employees will struggle to secure stable jobs due to discrimination and the absence of legal protections. As Trump’s executive order continues to affect military service, it could weaken recruitment efforts by excluding qualified individuals who wish to serve.
The dangers of Trump’s policies could set a precedent for undermining the rights of other marginalized groups. As the U.S. federal government continues to strip rights from communities, more laws targeting racial minorities may follow. Trump’s policies may have long-term consequences that extend beyond the transgender community, threatening human rights and democratic values.
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