The following is a timeline of actions Trump has taken to erode trans rights since his second inauguration:
- January 20, 2025: Only two genders recognized in government documents – Trump signed an order saying the federal government can only recognize two genders—male and female—based on a person’s sex at birth. This rule also bans gender-neutral language in certain government documents and removes information about gender identity from federal agencies.
- January 20, 2025: Changes to Passports – Trump ordered the State Department to cancel passport applications for trans, intersex, and non-binary people. The “X” gender option was removed, and all passport holders must use the gender they were assigned at birth.
- January 21, 2025: Shut down DEI programs – Trump ended diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the government. These programs helped protect LGBTQ people from discrimination.
- January 27, 2025: Trans People Banned from Military – Trump brought back a rule that stops transgender people from serving in the U.S. military.
- January 28, 2025: Gender-affirming Care Restricted – A new order called “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation” banned federal funding for gender-affirming healthcare for minors.
- February 5, 2025: Trans Women Barred From Women’s Sports – Trump signed an order called “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” which prevents trans women from playing on women’s sports teams.
How to protect yourself as a trans person in Trump’s America:
1. Keep Your Important Documents Safe
Make sure your ID, passport, birth certificate, and name-change documents are up to date. Store them somewhere secure and easy to grab in a hurry. Check your expiration dates and keep certified copies of any name change documents.
2. Know Your Rights
Learn about laws that protect you, both at the federal and state level. Some resources include:
- State Equality Index 2024 (Reviews state laws affecting LGBTQ rights)
- MAP: Snapshot LGBTQ Equality by State (Tracks LGBTQ laws across the U.S. Includes categories such as Nondiscrimination, Religious Exemptions, LGBTQ Youth, Healthcare, and Criminal Justice)
3. Find Gender-Affirming Healthcare
Trump has already limited access to gender-affirming care. Check what options are available in your state, including telehealth services. LGBTQ+ organizations can help.
4. Find Legal Help
If you face discrimination, legal help is available:
- Lamda Legal (Resources on workplace protections and transitioning at work)
5. Take Care of Your Mental Health
Losing rights can be stressful. Find support through community groups, mental health resources, or therapy.
6. Mental Health and Community
- HRC: Mental Health Resources in the LGBTQ+ Community (Hotlines and help for LGBTQ+ individuals)
These attacks on rights, liberties, and access to care can pose a strain on one’s mental health. It’s important to seek support from communities and/or mental health professionals.
The Human Rights Campaign provides a database of mental health resources, including hotlines and lifelines, for diverse communities, including the trans, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ community.
Find community support in your area:
7. Keep on Top of the News
It’s important to know what’s happening. Take mental health breaks when needed, but stay updated through trusted news sources. Check out community news sources like:
This are stressful times, but with your rights on the line, staying informed and protecting yourself is more critical than ever.
