USA: Horrified LGBTQ+ Community Braces for Another Trump Presidency

The prospect of a second Trump administration has left America’s LGBTQ+ community bracing for renewed threats to its rights and freedoms.

Donald Trump, who defeated Kamala Harris in this week’s election, will become the first convicted felon and rapist to serve as President of the United States.

With the Republican Party likely holding a majority in both houses of Congress and a conservative-leaning Supreme Court, Trump is positioned to face minimal opposition in implementing his right-wing policies.

President-elect Trump has pledged to introduce a federal ban on gender-affirming care for minors, bar trans women from women’s sports, and enact a federal definition of “gender” limited to “male and female” as assigned at birth.

LGBTQ+ Americans, especially transgender individuals, have taken to social media to voice their fears about the road ahead.

In the past year, the Republican Party has championed hundreds of bills across various states to restrict trans rights, specifically targeting access to gender-affirming healthcare and services.

Many also fear Trump will reinstate his previous ban on transgender individuals serving in the military and will roll back LGBTQ+ discrimination protections. Some speculate his administration may attempt to reverse same-sex marriage rights.

Donald Trump a “grave threat”

Human Rights Watch responded to the election results by warning that a Trump presidency “poses a grave threat” to human rights in the United States and worldwide.

“Donald Trump has made no secret of his intent to violate the human rights of millions of people in the United States,” said Tirana Hassan, executive director at Human Rights Watch. “Independent institutions and civil society groups, including Human Rights Watch, will need to do all we can to hold him and his administration accountable for abuses.”

America’s largest LGBTQ+ rights organisation expressed its “heartbreak” over the election outcome.

“We know our community is feeling scared, angry, and worried about what’s next for them and their families. We see you – there’s no question that we will face more challenges in the years to come as part of our fight for full LGBTQ+ equality,” wrote Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign.

“Make no mistake – we are not backing down. And we are going to continue to show up for each other and for the march toward progress–no matter what,” she added.

Some Signs of Hope

Robinson highlighted some positive outcomes in the election despite the overall bleak results.

She noted that Sarah McBride was elected as the first openly transgender member of Congress, and Julie Johnson will become the first LGBTQ+ representative from the South. Marriage equality amendments also passed with overwhelming support in California and Colorado.

“The path ahead will be challenging, but we are prepared,” said Robinson. “To every LGBTQ+ person feeling scared, I see you. I feel you. And I need you to hear this: You are not alone. You are loved. You are worthy. And you have an entire community standing with you, today and every day.”