Trump against the transgender community: what is happening in the United States?

Last week, a federal judge temporarily blocked a executive order by President Donald Trump that restricted access to medical care for transgender individuals under the age of 19. Although temporary, this decision marks a significant victory for families and healthcare providers who filed a lawsuit to ensure the right to gender-affirming care. In these dark times, a glimmer of hope. Trump's directive aimed to withdraw federal funding from hospitals and clinics offering treatments such as hormone therapy and puberty blockers. As a result, some healthcare facilities - even in progressive states like New York, California, and Washington D.C. - suspended treatments out of fear of legal repercussions. This created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear among families, who suddenly found themselves without access to vital care for their children.

Judge Hurson’s Decision and Its Implications

Judge Brendan Hurson, appointed by Biden, ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, issuing a temporary injunction that blocks Trump’s order for at least 14 days. The decision could be extended. Hurson openly criticized the Trump administration’s policy, stating that it "appears to deny that this population exists or deserves to exist." The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Lambda Legal, two civil rights organizations, led the legal battle, arguing that the presidential measure was unconstitutional and discriminatory. Brian K. Bond, executive director of PFLAG National, one of the plaintiff organizations, declared: "Parents of transgender children should never be put in the terrifying position of seeing their child’s prescribed medical care taken away on the whim of a politician." This decision sends a strong message to the transgender community and its allies, demonstrating that there are still legal mechanisms to counteract increasingly aggressive discriminatory policies.

The Impact of the Executive Order on Transgender Youth

Currently, only a small percentage of young people in the United States identify as transgender and receive gender-affirming care. However, all major medical associations recognize these treatments as essential for the mental and physical well-being of patients. The lawsuit highlighted the stories of families who relocated from states with severe restrictions, such as Tennessee, hoping to access care elsewhere, only to be denied treatment due to Trump’s federal policy. Some parents described their anguish at seeing their children forced to discontinue already-started therapies, with devastating consequences for their mental health. Family lawyers argue that the presidential order violates parental rights and the principle of equality: for instance, it allows cisgender boys to receive testosterone for delayed puberty but denies it to transgender boys. This disparity underscores the discriminatory nature of the measure and raises questions about the Trump administration’s (clearly non-existent) commitment to constitutional rights.

Passport Policy and the Fight for Legal Recognition

At the same time, the Trump administration introduced a policy preventing transgender, intersex, and non-binary individuals from updating their gender on passports. Seven plaintiffs, supported by the ACLU, filed a lawsuit against this decision, arguing that it exposes them to discrimination and danger when traveling. One of the plaintiffs, Reid Solomon-Lane, stated: "After 18 years of transitioning, I thought I could live my life safely. Now, as a father of three, this policy puts both my safety and my family’s safety at risk." The difficulty of obtaining accurate documents has real-life implications for transgender people, who risk facing harassment, interrogation, and discrimination during security checks.

Hunter Schafer's Words

Actress and model Hunter Schafer also spoke about it, sharing a video in which she explains how her passport now lists her gender as male instead of female. "I’m not making this post to spread fear, create drama, or seek consolation—I don’t need it," she says. "But I do think it’s worth sharing to acknowledge the reality of the situation and what is happening. I was shocked. I just didn’t think it would actually happen. I want to recognize my privilege, not only as a well-known and white trans woman. I pass, and yet it still happened. No one, no matter how wealthy, white, beautiful, or otherwise privileged, is exempt. I don’t give a damn that they put an ‘M’ on my passport. It doesn’t change anything about me or my transness, but it does make life a little harder. I’m pretty sure it means I’ll have to out myself to border agents much more often than I would like or than is really necessary."

A Political Clash with Global Consequences

The Trump administration’s policies are rapidly reshaping the U.S. stance on LGBTQ+ rights. Although Judge Hurson’s suspension of the executive order represents a setback for the former president’s strategy, the future remains uncertain. Activists and human rights organizations fear that if the injunction is lifted, the impact will be devastating for thousands of young transgender individuals and their families. Moreover, the debate over these restrictions is influencing policies in other countries, with some conservative governments following Trump’s lead.

Elisa Rae Shupe’s Legacy and the Future of Transgender Rights

Elisa Rae Shupe was the first person in the United States to gain legal recognition of a non-binary gender in 2016, making a significant impact on the fight for transgender rights. After a period of detransition, in 2022, she reaffirmed her identity as a trans woman and denounced the anti-trans movement, which had exploited her story. Tragically, this story does not have a happy ending. Elisa Rae Shupe died by suicide a few days ago, leaving a letter in which she harshly criticized transphobia and racism in the United States. In our anger over this event, we can only find more strength to keep fighting.