Donald Trump’s return to the presidency seems to come with news of policies or directives to the government that erase or attack the transgender community daily. Campaigning heavily on promises to uphold so-called "traditional values," Trump’s administration has wasted no time in implementing policies that directly target the rights and visibility of transgender and nonbinary people.
Keeping Promises to Spread Hate
Since January 20, 2025, the administration has taken deliberate steps to roll back federal recognition and protections for transgender people. Key developments include:
Redefining Gender: Federal agencies have been directed to recognize only two sexes and to eliminate “gender” from all federal communications and forms, erasing any acknowledgment of nonbinary and transgender identities.
Rolling Back Rights: Protections that previously prevented discrimination based on gender identity across housing, education, and employment have been rescinded.
Healthcare Restrictions: Federal funding for healthcare providers offering gender-affirming care has come under threat, creating additional barriers to care and forcing large health systems and independent practices alike to make impossible decisions.
Removing Resources and Restricting Individual Freedom
One of the most visible signs of this renewed attack on transgender rights is the removal of trans-inclusive content from federal websites. For example, the State Department’s website for travelers no longer includes any mention of transgender people and has been updated to only address “LGB” concerns. This pattern reflects a broader trend of exclusion that we are seeing across federal agencies.
These actions align with long-standing conservative governance strategies aimed at restricting LGBTQ+ rights and forcing binary gender norms. Trump’s second term has drawn on policy frameworks developed by right-wing radical think tanks, which advocate for limiting the federal government’s role but in actuality use the federal government to enact invasive policies and restrict American’s lives.
Consequences for Transgender People
The implications of these policies are far-reaching and impact youth, their families, and their communities. By targeting funding for gender-affirming care, the administration exacerbates the existing healthcare disparities faced by transgender individuals. We are already seeing the effects with large health systems discontinuing or limiting the age-appropriate gender-affirming care for anyone under the age of 19. Trans youth are losing access to age-appropriate gender-affirming care.
Additionally, the rollback of anti-discrimination protections creates an environment where discrimination can flourish unchecked and fuels narratives that dehumanize trans people, likely leading to an increase in violence against the community.
With the symbolic and practical erasure of transgender identities and new attacks on trans folks in every media cycle, feelings of isolation, misunderstanding, and fear are on the rise. Mental health challenges will be one of the biggest hurdles for us to overcome as a community.
Continued Advocacy and Resistance
Despite these challenges, advocates continue to fight back. Organizations in Colorado and across the country continue to support trans folks and fight against the harmful and unnecessary policies that continue to come out of this administration.
Civil rights organizations are pursuing lawsuits where possible to contest the administration’s restrictive policies. Support and service organizations continue to provide direct services to transgender people and their families, connecting them with community and reliable resources. Grassroots networks are stepping up to fill gaps in resources and provide critical support to affected individuals. Organizations across the country are working to raise awareness about the dangers of these policies and mobilize public opposition.
What You Can Do
Stay Informed: Follow developments in federal policies affecting transgender rights.
Support Trans People: Let the people in your life know that you are a safe place and can offer support when needed. Donate to or volunteer with organizations fighting for transgender equality, like Rocky Mountain Equality.
Use Your Voice: Contact your representatives and elected officials. Make sure they know that you expect them to advocate for policies that protect LGBTQ+ rights.
The fight for transgender visibility and rights continues in the face of renewed challenges. By remaining vigilant and proactive, we can push back against efforts to erase our transgender neighbors, family members, friends, coworkers, and youth from federal recognition and ensure a future where all individuals are respected and protected.
Rocky Mountain Equality, and so many other organizations and people in Colorado and across the country, remain committed to the transgender community and won’t back down. Transgender people have always been here, and we always will.