Key Points on Trump’s Radical Anti-LGBTQ+ Agenda for a Potential Second Term

This blog is originally appeared at THEM.

Donald Trump triumphed over Kamala Harris early Wednesday morning in a presidential election marked by the Republican candidate’s anti-trans and anti-immigrant rhetoric.

On what may go down as one of the darkest days in U.S. history, a twice-impeached former president, who is both an accused rapist and a convicted felon, has been elected to the White House once again.

Donald Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris early Wednesday morning in an election dominated by the Republican candidate’s anti-trans and anti-immigrant rhetoric. Trump secured crucial battleground states—North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—after weeks of polling that showed him and Harris in a tight race.

“Trump was expected to declare victory even if he had lost, but his actual win now paves the way for what promises to be one of the most extreme presidential agendas in U.S. history. The consequences of another Trump presidency will be particularly dire for LGBTQ+ Americans, with his campaign platform outlining a full-scale assault on queer rights. On his 2024 campaign website, Trump vowed to implement a federal ban on gender-affirming care for minors and to redefine gender at the federal level, recognizing only male and female as legitimate genders—based solely on birth assignment. His platform also called for national “Don’t Say Gay” policies targeting LGBTQ+ students in schools and vowed to “keep men out of women’s sports.” Trump’s running mate, J.D. Vance, a former senator, introduced a bill that would imprison doctors who provide gender-affirming care to trans youth.

These policies would continue the trajectory of Trump’s first term, which was marked by a relentless assault on the LGBTQ+ community. Among the most significant actions were the ban on transgender people serving in the military, the removal of LGBTQ+ references from federal websites, the rollback of protections for trans students, and the opposition to workplace protections for LGBTQ+ employees. His administration also implemented a ban on people living with HIV from military deployment, disbanded the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, and cut global funding for HIV prevention and treatment.

During his 2024 campaign, LGBTQ+ Americans were once again bombarded with anti-LGBTQ+ messaging. Trump ran on a platform of staunch opposition to trans rights, supported by millions of dollars in ads from right-wing groups that portrayed the trans community as a threat to public safety and decency. One of the most widely circulated ads of the election cycle declared: ‘Kamala is for they/them. President Trump is for you.’ In his first and only debate with Harris, Trump made headlines by falsely claiming that she supported ‘transgender operations on illegal aliens in prison’—a statement LGBTQ+ advocates later clarified was a misrepresentation of the legal requirement to provide medically necessary care to incarcerated individuals. He also falsely accused Harris’ running mate, Tim Walz, of being ‘very heavy into transgender issues.'”

As advocates have consistently warned, the impact of Trump returning to the White House will be devastating for many vulnerable and marginalized groups. While Trump has repeatedly wavered on whether he supports national restrictions on abortion and contraception following the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade, his running mate, J.D. Vance, has made it clear that he ‘would like abortion to be illegal nationally.’ Trump has also floated the idea of defunding schools that teach the history and legacy of slavery, and he has persistently called for the disbanding of the Department of Education. Furthermore, his mass deportation agenda, aimed at expelling thousands of undocumented workers from the U.S., would reportedly cost the federal government millions of dollars each year.

In addition to these proposals, Trump’s allies—such as House Speaker Mike Johnson—have signaled plans to launch another attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. This could jeopardize critical healthcare protections for seniors, pregnant patients, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals, potentially leaving millions without access to vital services.

While it will be months before a second Trump administration fully takes shape, the public already has a clear sense of how he plans to govern. Throughout his volatile presidential campaign, Trump vowed to act as a dictator ‘on day one,’ promising to dismiss Jack Smith, the special prosecutor overseeing numerous criminal cases against him. In recent weeks, he has suggested using the National Guard to target American citizens, even fantasizing about journalists being shot, while repeatedly labeling those who oppose his fascistic views as the ‘enemy from within.’ Trump has also reportedly offered key positions in his administration to figures like Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—the latter being an outspoken conspiracy theorist who has advocated for banning vaccines and removing fluoride from public drinking water.

In response to the looming threat of a second Trump term, some LGBTQ+ U.S. residents—particularly families of trans youth—have already fled the country out of fear for their safety and well-being. However, many others who would be directly impacted by his policies will not have the privilege of leaving. As during his first presidency, LGBTQ+ advocates are expected to continue their fight through the courts, the legislature, and public protests, standing firm against a wave of harmful policies that threaten their rights and freedoms.

November 8, 2024 0

Entering the state capital, demonstrators ask that the governor shield transgender children. | LGBTQNation

Four anti-trans bills are the target of the protests, which call for the governor to veto them.

Protests over measures that target transgender people erupted in front of the New Hampshire State House on Wednesday.

With posters like “Let Trans Kids Live” and “#letkidsplay,” the activists formed a line outside the building in an attempt to persuade Governor Chris Sununu (R) to veto four measures that pose a threat to transgender adolescents.

Grace Murray, Political Director of the New Hampshire Youth Movement, stated, “Back in 2018, Gov. Sununu chose to do the right thing and protect trans people in NH from discrimination.” She was alluding to the year that Sununu signed HB 1319, an anti-discrimination bill, into law. “It’s time for him to do the right thing again and veto these bills now that several horrifying, discriminatory pieces of legislation have reached his desk,” Murray continued.

Murrau went on, “NH is the ‘live free or die’ state, and those values should apply to everyone.” “Transgender individuals ought to be free to live in this state without having their rights violated on a regular basis. Gov. Sununu must veto these legislation in order to protect the liberties that we value highly in New Hampshire.

Alissandra Murray, a Democratic state lawmaker, told NBC 5 that “we need him to know that he needs to stand up like he did in 2018.” He asserted that acting in that manner was morally correct both then and now.

The governor allegedly received a petition from the protestors, but he declined to meet with them. The demonstrators were forced to go inside the building in response to his denial in order to keep calling for him to veto the laws.

Speaking to NBC 5, Sununu stated, “I think the voices around fairness and safety are being heard not just here in New Hampshire, but all across the country.” And this is something we’re going to treat with extreme seriousness.

A measure called HB 1205 would prohibit trans girls from participating in girls’ sports from the fifth to the twelfth grades. The law would demand birth certificates as verification of the biological sex of student-athletes. Additionally, kids and families who think a transgender athlete plays for a girls’ team would be able to sue the state and school under the proposed law.

The mild “Don’t Say Gay” bill, HB 1312, requires teachers to provide parents with a two-week notice to opt out of any curriculum that includes references to “sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression.” The measure designates this content as “objectionable.”

Gender affirming surgery is prohibited for minors under HB 619. Notably, gender-affirming procedures are nearly never performed on minors, unless, following years of medical treatment, both parents and doctors determine that the procedure is medically essential.

In a single day, these three bills were passed.

The most recent bill to reach the governor’s desk is HB 396, which would practically forbid transgender persons from using public restrooms and threatens to revoke the legal status of transgender people. Many are worried that this measure undoes some of the non-discrimination provisions of HB 1319, a bill from 2018.

Regarding LGBTQ+ rights, Sununu has a conflicted past. She has blocked anti-trans measures in the past and opposed a plan that would have made legal transitioning easier.

“I fundamentally don’t believe that biological boys should be competing in girls’ sports,” he stated in March. I believe it to be risky.

His vote on these proposals is still up in the air.

According to Ezra Brown, Community Press Liaison for the New Hampshire Youth Movement, “the people want Sununu to keep his word.” “He made it very clear in 2018: It is morally right to defend the rights and safety of trans people.”

“We implore him to veto these harmful bills as written. We will never forget what he does for us right now, nor what he did for us in the past. The populace remembers things well.

June 4, 2024 0

President Biden acknowledges the ‘suicide crisis’ among LGBTQ+ youth in a statement regarding Nex Benedict. | ADVOCATE

This blog originally appeared at ADVOCATE.

President Joe Biden highlighted the teenager’s passing and urged an end to bullying.

President Joe Biden released a statement from the White House on Thursday in response to the untimely murder of 16-year-old Nex Benedict of Oklahoma. He expressed his sympathies, along with those of the First Lady, and urged the country to address the bullying problem that he described as affecting LGBTQ+ youth.

The Chief Medical Examiner’s office in Oklahoma reports that Benedict, a transgender and nonbinary student at Owasso High School, committed himself by overdosing on two popular prescription and over-the-counter drugs, which caused toxicity.

Biden stated, “Jill and I are devastated by Nex Benedict’s tragic passing. “Every young person has the fundamental right to be free to be themselves, to feel safe and supported in their communities and at school. We ought to still be here with Nex Benedict today—a young person who only wanted to be accepted.

The president made his remarks in the face of growing dissatisfaction and doubt regarding the medical examiner’s one-page summary of Benedict’s death report. The medical examiner’s office has ten business days, per state law, to deliver the complete autopsy report. The summary, according to advocates and community people, does not adequately address the bullying and assault that occurred before to Benedict’s death, highlighting the fact that tragedies of this nature are inextricably linked to the conditions that give rise to them.

GLAAD has issued a warning against oversimplifying Benedict’s tragic story and brought attention to the structural problems with bullying and prejudice that LGBTQ+ kids face.

In response to the news of Benedict’s likely cause of death, Peggy Rajski, interim CEO and creator of The Trevor Project, a nonprofit that offers support and crisis counseling to LGBTQ+ children, released a statement.

“We are incredibly saddened to discover that Nex Benedict took his own life following severe harassment and assaults at their educational institution,” Rajski stated. Although this terrible tragedy has captured the attention of the country, we also know that it is, sadly, not unusual. LGBTQ+ youth have a suicide death rate that is more than four times higher than that of their peers. This isn’t due of any innate identification trait; rather, it’s a result of the extreme pressures, rejection, and hostility that many of them encounter in society.

Rajski went on, “Research by The Trevor Project indicates that having at least one accepting adult in an LGBTQ+ young person’s life significantly lowers their likelihood of attempting suicide. Ex’s death is a tragic reminder that we all have a role to play in reducing and eventually eradicating LGBTQ+ youth suicide.” Supporting young people who are living in their truth, whether as a teacher, caregiver, neighbor, or friend, is a life-saving and affirming act of allyship.

In his supportive letter, Biden mentioned the difficulties LGBTQ+ adolescents confront.

Some of the bravest Americans I know are nonbinary and transgender individuals. However, Biden stated that no one should need bravery in order to be themselves.

Benedict’s story has brought attention to the serious effects of bullying, especially when it comes to pupils who identify as LGBTQ+. Benedict was beaten in a school restroom just before he passed away, an event that highlighted the ongoing harassment he experienced because of his gender identity. Benedict admitted to the policeman on the footage obtained after the attack that he was bullied a lot.

In his speech, Biden reaffirmed his administration’s support for LGBTQ+ safety and rights, saying, “I will always have your back.”

Biden stated, “Parents and schools must take reports of bullying seriously.” He continued, “In memory of Nex, we must all recommit to our work to end discrimination and address the suicide crisis impacting too many nonbinary and transgender children.”

For 24/7 access to free and confidential services, please phone, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org if you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support. For those who identify as transgender or gender nonconforming, Trans Lifeline can be contacted at (877) 565-8860. In addition, the lifeline offers support for other crises, like those involving domestic abuse. (866) 488-7386 is the Trevor Project Lifeline number for LGBTQ+ youth (age 24 and under). Additionally, users can text START to 678678 or use the chat services at TheTrevorProject.org/Help.

May 29, 2024 0

Louisiana approves “Don’t Say Gay” legislation, citing parental distrust in LGBTQ+ educators without its enforcement. | LGBTQNation

Democrats objected to the bill, arguing that it would worsen mental health issues among LGBTQ+ youth.

H.B. 122, which prohibits discussions of gender and sexuality in public schools, has been approved by the Louisiana Legislature. The bill is set to be signed into law by Republican Governor Jeff Landry.

H.B. 122 prohibits discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation across all grade levels in public schools. It restricts such discussions in grades K-12 as well as in extracurricular and athletic settings, with approved curriculum topics being the only exception to the law.

State Rep. Dodie Horton (R) introduced the bill, which passed the state senate with a vote of 28-7 yesterday. It had previously been approved by the state house in April with a vote of 69-28.

As per the Louisiana Illuminator, Horton acknowledged in committee that her bill would also prohibit discussions on heterosexuality and cisgender identity. She further argued against teachers engaging in conversations about “lifestyle choices” with their students.

“When my bill was presented in committee, I emphasized that engaging in sexualized personal discussions between educators and students in our classrooms is not appropriate. Such discussions can deprive our children of their innocence and exert undue influence over their impressionable young minds,” Horton stated.

State Sen. Beth Mizell (R) sponsored the bill in the state senate. When questioned about the potential negative impact on students, she asserted that it was not the bill’s intended consequence. Mizell then argued that parents might not trust LGBTQ+ school staff unless they’re prohibited from discussing their personal lives.

“It’s important to provide a safe environment where parents can have confidence,” stated Mizell. “For example, if there’s an LGBTQ employee, parents might feel reassured knowing that person can’t discuss their sexual orientation with their child. Similarly, just as I wouldn’t want a promiscuous male or female teacher discussing their sexual partners with my child, parents should have that assurance.”

State Senator Royce Duplessis (D) criticized the bill, stating that it “oppresses and stigmatizes young people who are struggling.”

“I don’t see a necessity for this bill,” remarked Duplessis.

The bill faced opposition from LGBTQ+ advocates.

“Being LGBTQ+ or discussing LGBTQ+ issues and individuals is entirely appropriate. Moreover, withholding access to crucial medical care for transgender and non-binary youth poses serious risks to their lives,” stated Cathryn Oakley of HRC in a statement last year regarding the introduction of a similar bill in the legislature.

The provision in the bill that prohibits discussing “sexual orientation or gender identity” during extracurricular activities could potentially lead to the dissolution of LGBTQ+ student organizations, like GSAs, in Louisiana public schools.

The state senate is set to deliberate on H.B. 121 next week, proposed by state Rep. Raymond Crews (R). This legislation aims to prohibit transgender and nonbinary youth in public K-12 schools from using names and pronouns that differ from those assigned at birth unless parental consent is obtained.

May 27, 2024 0

Not just Florida. More than a dozen states propose so-called ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bills – NPR

This blog originally appeared at NPR News.

Florida first. Alabama follows. Legislators in Louisiana and Ohio are currently debating legislation that is similar to the Florida statute. A similar bill will be his top priority during the following session, according to Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

At least a dozen states across the country are proposing new legislation that, in some ways, will resemble Florida’s recent contentious bill, which some opponents have dubbed “Don’t Say Gay.”

Read Full Article – https://www.npr.org/2022/04/10/1091543359/15-states-dont-say-gay-anti-transgender-bills

If you’re ready to look for a better state or county for you and your family (or family of choice), reach out to us at www.FleeRedStates.com

April 22, 2023 0

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants Texas version of Florida law that critics dubbed “Don’t Say Gay” – The Texas Tribune

This blog originally appeared at The Texas Tribune.

The contentious rule in that state forbids teachers from teaching pupils younger than fourth grade about their sexual orientation or gender identity, as well as any other instruction that is not “age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate” for older students. Due to claims made by the bill’s opponents that it will hurt LGBTQ youth, it has drawn a lot of attention.

Patrick stated in a campaign email that even though the next legislative session in Texas doesn’t begin until January, the matter would be discussed in hearings before then by the Education Committee.

Read the full article – https://www.texastribune.org/2022/04/04/texas-dont-say-gay-dan-patrick/

If you’re ready to look for a better state or county for you and your family (or family of choice), reach out to us at www.FleeRedStates.com

April 22, 2023 0