Donald Trump’s presidency was a stark exhibit of regressive policies and divisive rhetoric, particularly impacting the LGBTQ+ community. His tenure was marked by a systematic dismantling of rights and protections, which had been hard-won over years of advocacy.
1. Reversal of Transgender Protections
Trump’s administration revoked critical Obama-era protections that allowed transgender students to use bathrooms corresponding with their gender identity, blatantly ignoring the urgent needs for safety and acceptance in educational environments.
2. Ban on Transgender Military Service
In a move that blindsided even the Pentagon, Trump announced a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, citing dubious “medical costs” and “disruption,” thereby rolling back inclusive practices in the armed forces.
3. Appointment of Conservative Judges
Trump’s aggressive appointment of conservative judges has threatened LGBTQ+ rights long-term. These judges, many with anti-LGBTQ+ records, will influence American jurisprudence for decades.
4. Removal of LGBTQ+ Health Protections
The Department of Health and Human Services under Trump moved to roll back protections against discrimination in healthcare based on gender identity, dangerously leaving transgender people vulnerable to being denied critical health services.
5. Support for Religious Exemption Laws
Trump championed religious exemption laws that permit businesses and individuals to deny services to LGBTQ+ people based on personal beliefs, effectively prioritizing discriminatory practices over civil rights.
6. Ignoring Pride Month
Trump broke with established precedent by not officially recognizing Pride Month during his presidency, a clear snub to the LGBTQ+ community’s fight for recognition and equality.
7. Endorsement of Discriminatory Policies Internationally
His administration actively supported countries that rolled back LGBTQ+ rights, signaling a worrying endorsement of international human rights regressions.
8. Erasure of LGBTQ+ Data Collection
Under Trump, federal surveys and censuses were stripped of questions identifying sexual orientation and gender identity, erasing LGBTQ+ visibility in government data collection crucial for policy making and support.
9. Housing Discrimination
The Trump administration proposed changes to the Fair Housing Act, making it harder for LGBTQ+ individuals to fight discrimination in renting or buying homes.
10. Health and Human Services Division of Conscience and Religious Freedom
This division was established to protect healthcare workers who refuse to perform certain procedures, including those related to LGBTQ+ health, based on religious or moral objections.
11. Undermining LGBTQ+ Rights at the UN
The administration fought to remove mentions of “gender” in United Nations human rights documents, attempting to narrow protections against discrimination.
12. Fostering Hostile School Environments
By rescinding guidance on protecting transgender students, the administration fostered a more hostile environment in schools, contributing to bullying and reduced safety for LGBTQ+ students.
13. Limiting Asylum for LGBTQ+ Refugees
The Trump administration imposed stricter rules and decisions that limited the ability of LGBTQ+ individuals to seek asylum in the U.S. based on persecution due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
14. Promoting Conversion Therapy Proponents
Trump’s administration included figures who have openly supported conversion therapy, a debunked and harmful practice aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
15. Opposing the Equality Act
Trump openly opposed the Equality Act, which would have provided comprehensive protections against discrimination for LGBTQ+ people across key areas of life.
16. Reduction in HIV/AIDS Support
The administration cut global funds for HIV/AIDS programs, which disproportionately affect the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where rates are highest.
17. Dismissal of LGBTQ+ White House Liaison
The role of LGBTQ+ liaison in the White House was effectively diminished under Trump, signaling a lower priority given to the concerns and rights of the community.
18. Lack of Response to Anti-LGBTQ+ Violence
Trump’s administration was often silent in the face of rising hate crimes and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, failing to condemn these acts decisively.
19. Encouraging Discriminatory School Policies
The administration supported policies that allow schools to discriminate against LGBTQ+ students in activities and access to facilities.
20. Reversing American Embassy Pride Flag Policies
Trump’s administration rejected requests from U.S. embassies to fly the Pride flag on official flagpoles, a symbolic gesture of international solidarity that was previously commonplace.
21. Marginalizing LGBTQ+ Voices
Throughout his presidency, Trump marginalized the voices and concerns of the LGBTQ+ community, often excluding them from policy discussions and ignoring their pleas for support and recognition.
Think Twice
With a track record of undermining LGBTQ+ protections and promoting policies that marginalize diverse communities, Trump’s potential reelection poses a significant threat to the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights. It’s a stark reminder that political choices have real consequences for real people.
The post 21 Reasons Why Trump Is a TERRIBLE Choice for LGBTQ+ Community first appeared on Pulse of Pride.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Evan El-Amin.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
