Donald Trump’s return to the White House promises to shake up Washington in a way not seen in the norm-shattering 1.0 years of the Trump presidency: radically reforming the federal civil service into a more partisan institution. , the expertise and ability the blueprint to value at the expense of loyalty is on the table. Specifically, anti-discrimination protections that have long strengthened the rights and welfare of LGBTQ federal employees are off the table.
Washington is proud to have more LGBTQ people per capita than any city in any state in America. 92% of the city’s more than 678,000 residents voted for Vice President Kamala Harris. According to exit polls, 86 percent of LGBTQ voters did so.
Many of Washington, D.C.’s LGBTQ residents who work in the federal government are currently at an unenviable crossroads. Some could lose their jobs no matter who wins the November election. That’s because they usually hold higher-ranking “political” roles that hand over power from government to government. But many more are “career” officials who have served in governments of both parties. white house.
Many will choose to enter the hyperlocal job market, which is currently too competitive for job seekers, or, if possible, to join a Republican-run system vowed to destroy jobs (or at least shake up unions). I am aware that I am making a choice between continuing to work there. , whatever that means).
The Washington Blade spoke with LGBTQ federal employees who are concerned about the well-being of their gay, queer, and transgender colleagues who will be joining the private sector. They also share deep concern for LGBTQ Americans who they believe will suffer harmful consequences from the policies and governance under the next administration.
A lesbian lawyer at the U.S. Department of Justice and a gay official at the U.S. Commerce Department spoke anonymously to the Blade to share their experiences and observations at their respective agencies.
Will you be working elsewhere once Trump 2.0 begins in January?
[Justice Department]: I plan to retire immediately after taking office.
[Commerce Department]: I would like to work somewhere else by next semester. The job market is incredibly competitive, but that’s because the Biden administration has hired some of the best public servants who represent every community in America. It is especially important for businesses and nonprofit organizations to seek out high-quality early/mid-level staff from government. Many graduated from college remotely during the pandemic and immediately served their country. Although they have exceptional work experience, they may be at an employment disadvantage compared to their classmates who entered the workforce immediately.
If you wish, will you be allowed (and likely will be) allowed to continue serving under the next administration?
[Justice]:Probably not.
Under the next administration, if you are allowed to continue in your current role, or if you are allowed to take another position at your agency, or perhaps to work elsewhere in the federal government, If you could, would you? Why or why not?
[Justice]: No, the risk of personal information leakage is too high. I’ve done it once before and I have no desire to do it again.
[Commerce]:Even if I was allowed to, I wouldn’t want to work in the Trump administration. Working for someone who believes in retribution against public officials would violate the oath I made to my country and the Constitution he refuses to honor. I look forward to doing what queer people have done throughout American history: shining brightly in the face of hate and succeeding despite all attempts to shame them. .
What is the post-election agency turnover rate that you have seen or expect in the coming months compared to what you may have experienced during previous transition periods?
[Justice]: We expect more people to quit than in previous management changes.
[Commerce]: Experienced career staffers who survived the first Trump era are burnt out and retiring. This is a terrible loss to the American people, who are losing experts in the field who are working diligently to make their lives easier, safer, and healthier. Many of them work for the federal government because they can use it to help people in big ways. They are horrified to think that all people, especially minorities, women, and queer people, are targeted in return. They don’t want to be part of it. They can’t live like that.
Do any of your LGBTQ co-workers remain in your job? If so, what can you tell me about the reasons you heard about their decision to stay?
[Justice]: Yes; many people will stay because they can’t afford to quit when they don’t have a job lined up.
What are your particular concerns about how your agency will operate under the Trump 2.0 regime?
[Justice]: They would dismantle the Justice Department’s civil rights division or shift its focus entirely.
[Commerce]: I’m scared that my data could be used as a weapon against vulnerable people. Many efforts have been made to build closer relationships with national leaders and support communities. All these programs focused on helping the most vulnerable and underserved among us are aimed at identifying vulnerable targets. Is it?
Broadly speaking, what concerns do you have about the rights, safety, and well-being of LGBTQ people who remain in the civil service after January, or who may join the federal civilian workforce after President Trump takes office? ?
[Justice]: LGBTQ+ people are at risk of having their personal information compromised. Bathroom flexibility is lost. Harassment will go unchecked.
[Commerce]: We are barely emerging from the shadow of Lavenderphobia, where thousands of American queer public servants were harassed, humiliated, and often shamed and fired. It begins with the removal of the Pride flag, then the photos of our partners on our desks, and then we are escorted from the building as a security risk. LGBTQ Americans are soldiers, scientists, and public servants who should never have to worry that their mere presence could suddenly lead to a loss of their security clearance, career path, or safety. .
How do you think staff turnover at your agency will affect its operations under the next administration?
[Justice]: Staff turnover would seriously undermine the work of the Department of Justice and protection of the rule of law.
Ultimately, if a disproportionate number of LGBTQ workers leave for jobs in the private sector, the potential for loss of a voice representing the community in the federal government and/or your agency in particular. Are you concerned about certain hazards?
[Justice]: Re: Losing my voice, that’s right. The federal government cannot function effectively if it does not reflect the people it serves.
Source: Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News – www.washingtonblade.com
