After Donald Trump was elected president, transgender people are wondering what lies ahead. For this vulnerable community, the Trump administration signals a potential disaster. The candidate has since just won the election. $215 million The amount spent on anti-trans advertising targeting this minority group is staggering, exceeding spending on other issue-based ads. Transgender people are now looking for ways to protect themselves under a federal government that could see them as supreme. “The enemy from within” A term used by President Trump to describe leftists.
I spoke with transgender care experts and dozens of transgender people to identify steps the community should take now in the lead-up to the Trump presidency. Trump promised Actions against transgender peoplefrom surveys of educators to banning gender-affirming care for young people to ending legal recognition of transgender individuals. Some of these measures will take time to implement, while others will be implemented immediately. For example, upcoming December budget negotiations are likely to include anti-transgender and anti-LGBTQ+ amendments, which Democrats may embrace to avoid a government shutdown.
For transgender people and their supporters, preparedness is essential. To protect yourself from these anticipated challenges, here are practical steps the community should consider in the coming weeks.
Obtaining or renewing a passport.
get federal passport This is an important step for transgender individuals as it serves as a valid ID in most places and is required for international travel. Passport allows you to change your gender marker with a simple selection checkbox, making the process of obtaining an official gender marker hassle-free. This last point is especially important. An expected federal crackdown could soon mean you won’t be able to update your gender marker on federal documents, which could also impact your state ID. This action is essential even if you don’t plan on traveling abroad, as passports are valid for 10 years and some states allow you to match your gender marker to the gender marker on your passport. And if the need to travel arises, you’ll be grateful you took this precaution.
Many transgender people I speak to have already begun this process. One family wanted to secure a passport before federal regulations changed and opted for expedited service. Ellie, the mother of a transgender teen, said: “I am determined to keep my son safe and alive, and I will do everything humanly possible to make that happen.” He said he is considering the option of moving abroad if gender-affirming care is banned by the federal government, with Spain being his first choice. For transgender individuals, expedited passports will be a key consideration to ensure they receive their documents before President Trump’s inauguration. Although it costs a little more, expedited passports are processed much faster.
Some have observed an increase in the number LGBTQ+ People asking for passports right after the election. Andromeda, a transgender woman, said: “There were five people in line at the post office asking for passports, and four of us were transgender.” She described the atmosphere as “very moody.” “We were all very nervous but very strong for it,” he added.
Update your state documents and identification.
This step is critical because transgender people need as much documentation as possible that reflects their correct gender marker to deal with potential laws and regulations targeting them. Most anti-trans laws state that legal recognition of gender must match the sex recorded at or near birth, but these provisions are often difficult to enforce. is. In fact, having a license or ID showing their correct gender can help transgender people avoid negative interactions and even defuse tense situations with authorities. Additionally, obtaining such documents may become even more difficult in the future, with President Trump using legislation such as the Real ID Act to push for a ban on correct gender designation on driver’s licenses. There is a possibility.
Many transgender people rush into this process in anticipation that the opportunity to do so may soon disappear. “We need to get the name and marker officially changed before we take away that opportunity,” said Cole, one of those people from South Dakota. The process is particularly cumbersome in South Dakota, requiring a court order and an affidavit signed by a doctor. Cole worries that if President Trump takes office, it will be impossible to complete the plan.
Maintaining drug supplies.
Some individuals are taking steps to ensure access to gender-affirming drugs, but this approach comes with potential legal issues. The Trump administration has indicated plans to sue drug companies that provide gender reassignment treatments, making disruption to drug access a real possibility. In addition, federal funding bans, threats, and investigations can further complicate access. States such as California have announced their intention to enact laws to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from these federal actions. For individuals, practical ways to maintain drug supplies include underdosing to build an emergency stockpile, working with a doctor who can prescribe additional medications, and purchasing hormones from online sources. It is important to note that these methods are not without legal or personal means. risk.
Nevertheless, many people reported taking these precautions. One person, who requested anonymity, said his doctor advised him to continue using the estradiol vials beyond four injections, despite prior instructions to throw them away after four uses. This adjustment allowed her to build a sustainable supply throughout Trump’s presidency. Another respondent stated that they underdosed estradiol to justify a higher prescribed dose and to be able to maintain a backup supply in case of disruption.
Change the Social Security Administration gender marker.
This is a step that many people overlook, but they may not realize that the Social Security Administration records your gender. If future policies limit ID renewal, updating Social Security gender markers could potentially prevent discrepancies that could flag IDs within the federal system. there is. The process is simple; online portal We’ll tell you what forms to fill out and where to send them. Most people will need to bring the form to their local Social Security office. Fortunately, changing your gender marker is as simple as checking a box, requiring no court order or medical documentation, and is relatively easy to complete.
If you wish, consider moving now.
Migration is an important and complex decision for many people, and it is important to recognize that for the majority of the queer community, migration is not a viable option. Economic limitations, legal or personal circumstances, and a desire to stay and fight all keep many people from putting down roots in their homelands. However, for those considering a transition, this may be the perfect time to finalize your plans. Especially with budget negotiations looming, anti-trans laws and actions could escalate rapidly, possibly even before the end of President Biden’s term. Although the exact scope of potential administrative action remains uncertain, many of the steps outlined here could become much more difficult once such action is taken.
Many of the people I spoke to have already decided to move. Sarah, a mother of a transgender child from Texas, said she plans to move to Denver as soon as her house sells. “We’ve been talking about relocating for several years, and I think this is the boost we needed,” she said. When asked why she chose Colorado, she explained: For example, when Biden made the Title IX changes, Texas fought back and didn’t have those protections. I wish that were the case, but it’s the opposite. That’s also why we rent rather than buy. If we ever need another move, we want to be able to pick it up and go quickly. ”
Another person, Tauzi, said he had already formed a small caravan of queer people and was preparing to move to a blue state before the transition. “Right now we’re a small group of five people…we’re all pooling our money together to make travel cheaper.”
Chelsea, a transgender girl who plans to immigrate next year, said her grandmother’s experience in Nazi Germany was a big influence on her. What I remember hearing from her is that we weren’t ready to run away. We were happy and even organized which was a good thing. It’s important to be prepared to escape.”
To determine which state you can safely transition to, Trans Legislation Risk Assessment Map.
Make a decision about whether to stay or go “stealth.”
A recurring theme in discussions about the Trump administration’s preparedness is the role continued or continued “stealth” plays in ensuring security. For transgender individuals, “stealth” refers to living without disclosing one’s transgender identity and maintaining one’s gender identity. For many, this requires paying special attention to makeup and voice training in order to pass as cisgender and integrate into society. For transgender youth, that often means not informing school officials about their gender identity. Such measures could be important even in blue states, where schools may feel pressured by the Trump administration to impose restrictions on transgender youth. For transgender adults, staying stealthy can also be a safety net in the face of increasingly common bathroom restrictions.
Many transgender people I spoke to had mixed feelings about operating a “stealth” operation under the Trump administration. Some conclude that it is the safest option for them, while others choose to remain visible, believing that visibility is essential in the fight for transgender rights. Still others feel that stealth is not an option for them.
Rely on allies in the local community.
One important action transgender people and their allies can take is to support community organizations, legal funds, and other resources. Historically, when restrictive laws targeted the LGBTQ+ community, it was important to connect with groups of LGBTQ+ individuals who could provide mutual support and safety. When choosing an organization to support, state and local organizations are especially valuable because they can provide up-to-date information on relevant legislation and advise on how best to address new challenges under the Trump administration. These organizations are also well-positioned to navigate specific legal processes and advocacy opportunities within local communities.
The Trump administration is expected to pose significant legal threats to transgender people, but there are steps you can take now to reduce these risks. With the deadline for action approaching by President Trump’s inauguration, these measures are of the essence. Early preparation could mean the difference between enduring four years of increased crackdowns on transgender and queer communities and facing the brunt of an administration determined to restrict their rights. For anyone looking to protect their future, taking action now is essential.
Source: Advocate.com – www.advocate.com
