The transgender community has been significantly impacted by Donald Trump's executive orders, emphasizing the need to advocate for those facing injustices. Despite challenges, the LGBTQ+ community has shown resilience. Among the most vulnerable are disabled students, transgender individuals, and veterans, who have been particularly affected without consideration for their mental and physical health.
On Jan. 29, 2025, President Trump issued several executive orders that changed the status quo, but one in particular restricted transgender identity and limited healthcare access to the trans community. Although the orders target younger transgender people, the entire LGBTQ+ community will be affected. Trump’s education secretary has also displayed apathy or disregard for individuals and students with disabilities. Individuals falling into both categories, transgender and disabled, are among the most vulnerable during this upcoming administration.
One of the consequences of this executive order is that college students coming from conservative states that ban the X option — denoting another gender — can no longer use this option on their official university identification. When these students apply for college admission and other benefits, they must now show their identification, which displays their biological sex. Having such identification without the gender identity of choice can cause stress, anxiety and depression.
Moreover, disabled transgender people have now had their healthcare banned, which translates as having less control of their healthcare, including mental well-being. If disabled transgender people do not have the healthcare they need, they are more susceptible to worsening mental health and overall well-being. No healthcare means no gender treatments and support. Younger people are more affected as they see their treatments disappear and they have little recourse.
A report from Health Affairs indicates that transgender individuals experience poorer health outcomes and more significant mental health challenges compared to cisgender individuals. This disparity is due to inadequate healthcare and higher levels of discrimination and social stigma, negatively impacting their mental well-being. Additionally, those identifying with a gender different from the one assigned at birth may be more susceptible to disability.
Transgender veterans are also affected by new orders that dismantle DEI and inclusion programs in the Veteran Affairs (VA) Healthcare System, which previously provided access to gender identity support. Many veterans face mental health disabilities, including post-traumatic stress disorder, and the removal of these programs increases their vulnerability to discrimination in a sector primarily managed by former military members.
According to the HRC organization, many disabled transgender people do not have equal rights. They often lack access to proper medical care, support services and face discrimination from healthcare providers. In the VA healthcare system, many providers do not understand or respect transgender identities, manifesting in worse patient experiences and outcomes. This lack of education makes it difficult for transgender individuals to get the care they need. There is an urgent need for better awareness and training in this area.
Discrimination has been a longstanding challenge within the realm of U.S. politics. During Barack Obama's presidency, many Americans felt a sense of hope and progress as he took significant steps to promote equality, notably by lifting the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. This landmark decision allowed trans service members to serve their country openly, embracing their identity without fear of reprisal. However, the subsequent administration under Donald Trump rolled back many of these crucial advancements, leaving the LGBTQ+ community exposed and vulnerable once more in a political landscape rife with uncertainty and division.
Transgender and disabled people are among our most marginalized communities and the Trump administration just made their lives harder. The rhetoric alone opens up these groups to more discrimination from Americans who don’t fully understand their experiences. Regardless of their labels, transgender disabled people are people and they deserve access to healthcare and liberty to expression.
Donald Trump embodies the explosive consequences of a society that has long suppressed its discriminatory undercurrents. After years of silence, these hidden tensions have finally emerged, revealing the raw emotions and frustrations that have been simmering beneath the surface. These anti-transgender policies should make Americans aware of that nothing can be taken for granted and that the rights they have today can be taken away in the future in a blink of an eye.
Disabled transgender individuals are currently facing the repercussions of systemic issues and societal misunderstandings. This situation may catalyze greater awareness and activism, highlighting the necessity for constant vigilance in protecting human rights. History shows that rights can be eroded if individuals do not actively defend them, reinforcing the importance of advocacy in safeguarding against potential regressions in civil liberties.
Eliam Levin is a graduate student in the Department of History of Science and Technology at Johns Hopkins University.
