Transgender Rights Under Trump: A Personal Account Of Executive Order Impacts

Axel S�rensen

5 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

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The Impact of Executive Order 13706 (and subsequent actions) on Transgender Military Service

The Ban and its Justification

Executive Order 13706, issued in 2017, banned transgender individuals from serving openly in the military. The stated justification revolved around concerns about healthcare costs, combat readiness, and unit cohesion. However, critics argued that the ban was discriminatory and lacked factual basis. The public discourse was highly polarized, with strong opinions on both sides.

• Arguments for the ban: Focused on the perceived costs of gender-affirming care and potential disruption to unit cohesion. Claims of reduced combat effectiveness were also made, often without supporting evidence.
• Arguments against the ban: Highlighted the discriminatory nature of the ban, emphasizing the service and dedication of transgender service members. Legal challenges argued the ban violated constitutional rights to equal protection.
• Statistics: Estimates suggest thousands of transgender individuals were affected by the ban, facing discharge or denial of service. Precise numbers are difficult to obtain due to the sensitive nature of the issue.
• Legal Challenges: The ban faced numerous legal challenges, ultimately leading to its eventual reversal. These legal battles underscored the constitutional questions surrounding discrimination based on gender identity.

Personal Accounts and Experiences

The impact on transgender service members was profound. Many faced sudden discharge, losing their careers, benefits, and sense of belonging. The emotional toll was immense, with many experiencing anxiety, depression, and isolation.

• Loss of Career Opportunities: Years of dedicated service were abruptly ended, leaving many struggling to find new employment and support themselves.
• Mental Health Impacts: The stress and uncertainty associated with the ban had devastating consequences on mental health, leading to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
• Financial Burdens: The loss of military benefits and employment created significant financial hardship for many transgender service members and their families.
• Example: One transgender soldier, after serving honorably for years, was discharged solely due to their gender identity, losing their healthcare and retirement benefits, leaving them financially destitute and emotionally devastated.

Bathroom Bills and Transgender Access to Public Accommodations

The Rise of Anti-Transgender Legislation

Following the election of President Trump, a wave of anti-transgender legislation swept across numerous states. "Bathroom bills," restricting transgender individuals' access to public restrooms aligning with their gender identity, became a focal point of this legislative assault. These laws were often justified on the basis of privacy concerns and religious freedom, but critics saw them as discriminatory and dangerous.

• Examples of State Laws: North Carolina's HB2 and similar laws in other states restricted transgender individuals' use of public restrooms based on their assigned sex at birth.
• Arguments Used: Proponents often cited concerns about safety and privacy, arguing that allowing transgender individuals into restrooms aligned with their gender identity posed a threat to cisgender individuals. Religious objections were also frequently invoked.
• Impact on Safety and Inclusivity: These laws created hostile environments, leading to increased harassment, violence, and discrimination against transgender individuals. The lack of safe and inclusive public restrooms further marginalized the community.

Personal Stories of Discrimination

For transgender individuals, these bathroom bills were more than just legislation; they were a daily threat. The fear of harassment, assault, or even arrest became a constant companion.

• Specific Incidents: Stories emerged of transgender individuals being denied access to restrooms, harassed by strangers, or even physically assaulted in public spaces.
• Impact on Mental Health: The constant anxiety and fear associated with these laws had a significant impact on the mental health of transgender individuals, leading to increased rates of depression and anxiety.
• Challenges in Daily Life: Basic daily activities like using a public restroom became a source of stress and fear, limiting access to education, employment, and social activities.
• Example: A transgender woman recounted her experience of being forced to use a men's restroom, experiencing verbal abuse and feeling unsafe and exposed.

Healthcare Access and the Affordable Care Act

Changes in Healthcare Coverage Under the Trump Administration

The Trump administration's policies significantly impacted access to healthcare for transgender individuals, particularly concerning gender-affirming care. Efforts to weaken or repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) threatened the availability of crucial medical services.

• Specific Policy Changes: Efforts to weaken the ACA's protections for pre-existing conditions could have made healthcare unaffordable for many transgender individuals needing gender-affirming care.
• Impact on Access to Care: Reduced access to affordable healthcare meant fewer transgender individuals could access hormone therapy, surgery, and mental health services.
• Potential Consequences: Limited access to gender-affirming care has serious consequences for transgender individuals' physical and mental health, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and other health issues.

Personal Struggles and Triumphs in Healthcare

Despite the challenges, many transgender individuals persevered in their pursuit of healthcare. Their stories illustrate both the obstacles they faced and their remarkable resilience.

• Barriers to Care: Many transgender individuals encountered insurance denials, lack of provider knowledge, and discriminatory practices when seeking gender-affirming care.
• Stories of Perseverance: Despite these hurdles, many transgender individuals found supportive providers and fought tirelessly to access the healthcare they needed.
• Successes in Obtaining Healthcare: Many found creative solutions, such as seeking care in more LGBTQ+-affirming communities or utilizing advocacy groups for support.
• Example: A transgender man described the multiple denials of insurance coverage for his top surgery before finally finding a provider and advocating fiercely for his right to necessary care.

Conclusion

The Trump administration's policies significantly impacted the lives of transgender individuals, creating barriers to military service, public accommodations, and healthcare access. The personal accounts shared in this article illustrate the profound emotional, financial, and physical consequences of these policies. Understanding transgender rights under Trump's presidency is crucial to comprehending the ongoing fight for equality and inclusion. The lasting effects of these policies continue to resonate within the transgender community. Learn more about the fight for transgender rights and advocate for policies that protect transgender rights. Support organizations like the ACLU and GLAAD who are working to advance LGBTQ+ rights and equality. Your voice matters.