Recent executive orders issued by President Trump targeting the transgender community have faced legal challenges. Two out of three orders have been struck down by federal judges, while the remaining order regarding trans girls and women participating in sports is still in litigation.
Health agencies have now reinstated webpages containing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) language that were previously deleted. Gender affirming care for transgender minors is also expected to resume following the court rulings.
Although executive orders do not automatically become law, there is ongoing work needed at the state level to ensure that the identities of transgender individuals are respected and affirmed.
President Trump’s initial executive orders aimed at transgender and gender diverse individuals sought to restrict access to sports, defund gender affirming care for transgender youth, and remove DEI language from health agency websites.
The executive order challenging the concept of “gender ideology” by recognizing only two biological sexes has faced pushback in U.S. courts, with judges ruling in favor of those opposing the administration’s actions.
In response to these orders, mental health professionals have seen a rise in transgender individuals seeking urgent support. The stigmatizing language used in the executive orders has created a sense of danger and vulnerability within the transgender community, which already faces heightened risks of mental health issues and violence.
Studies have shown that anti-trans laws can have severe mental and physical health effects on transgender Americans, leading to increased rates of suicidal ideation and self-harm. Organizations like the Trevor Project have reported a 72% rise in suicide attempts among transgender and nonbinary youth, linking this trend to the increase in anti-trans legislation.
It is crucial to continue advocating for the rights and well-being of transgender individuals, both at the federal and state levels, to ensure their safety and dignity are protected.
A study conducted in 2021 revealed that transgender individuals are more prone to substance misuse compared to their cisgender counterparts. Beck Gee, AMFT, the owner of BGC Bridge Consulting, specializes in training clinicians to deliver affirming care in substance use and mental health treatment settings. Gee highlighted to Healthline that the sense of being marginalized often leads to severe mental health consequences among trans individuals, resulting in addiction and substance abuse. This can manifest in various harmful behaviors such as increased drinking, drug use, relapse, and disassociation, impacting their overall well-being and ability to function in daily life and relationships.
In addition to the statistical data, there are tragic real-life accounts that underscore the challenges faced by the transgender community. For instance, a transgender veteran tragically took their own life on a hospital parking garage in Syracuse on January 27. Meanwhile, February 8 marked the first anniversary of the death of Nex Benedict, a transgender teenager who was fatally assaulted in their Oklahoma high school restroom in 2024.
The denial of a trans person’s identity can have detrimental effects, prompting medical professionals, scientists, and researchers, including those associated with The Lancet journal, to reassert their commitment to using inclusive language. Federal agencies have been instructed to reinstate removed public webpages and data featuring DEI language to ensure healthcare providers have access to vital research and treatment information.
Addressing another pressing issue, the physical activity needs of transgender athletes, particularly youth, have been called into question by anti-trans policies that challenge gender diversity, especially in sports. Transgender athletes, like Caster Semenya and Imane Khelif, have encountered discriminatory policies that could jeopardize their participation in elite competitions. Despite claims about testosterone levels in transgender athletes, research has debunked the idea of inherent advantages for transgender women in sports following hormone therapy.
Recent developments, such as the NCAA adjusting its policies to comply with the White House executive order and the Department of Education pushing for the removal of records of transgender athletes, reflect the ongoing struggle for inclusivity in sports. Former NCAA rower Held emphasized the importance of physical activity for trans youth and the detrimental impact of excluding them from sports.
Among the 500,000 NCAA athletes, about 10 to 15 trans athletes are part of the conversation, according to Held. The number of transgender youth actively engaged in competitive sports is remarkably low, he emphasized. Held pointed out that denying trans athletes the opportunity to participate, let alone compete, can have detrimental effects on their physical and mental well-being.
“We are essentially preventing kids from enjoying the simple act of play. This is disheartening because, as a nation, we are already grappling with a surge in young people immersing themselves in cellphones, social media, and video games, rather than interacting with their peers. By restricting their ability to play, we are further reinforcing the notion that children are not deserving of such basic joys,” Held expressed.
Dr. Jami Taylor, a professor at the University of Toledo and co-author of “The Remarkable Rise of Transgender Rights,” highlighted the significance of acceptance of trans identities at the state level. She mentioned that while public attitudes towards trans individuals have evolved, substantial change can occur through state-level initiatives.
“We currently have nondiscrimination policies in over 20 states, which will continue to be in effect,” Taylor stated in response to recent executive orders. “Despite potential constraints imposed by federal actions, these policies will persist in numerous states, primarily in the Northeast, West Coast, Great Lakes region, and various other parts of the country.”
Taylor emphasized the relevance of state-level policies and laws, particularly concerning healthcare for transgender youth. She noted ongoing developments in the health sector for this demographic, with several states implementing policies that restrict access to services.
“The Trump administration’s efforts to implement these changes nationwide through executive orders, including threats to cut funding for service providers, are being met with legal challenges. While the federal government possesses certain powers, federalism will impose limitations on its actions,” Taylor elaborated.
Additionally, individuals impacted by these policies are encouraged by Gee to seek support from the community, especially from older transgender individuals and allies who have faced decades of struggles for essential rights.
“This is not a novel issue. Although it may seem new to many young people due to limited historical awareness, it’s crucial to learn from the experiences of those who have navigated similar challenges in the past. Seeking guidance and support from those individuals is paramount,” Gee emphasized.
Recent court rulings have invalidated anti-trans executive orders issued by the White House. Health agencies such as the NIH, CDC, and FDA have reinstated web content featuring diversity, equity, and inclusion language, and gender-affirming care for transgender minors has been reinstated. However, an executive order prohibiting trans girls and women from participating in sports remains subject to legal proceedings. Despite executive orders not immediately translating into legislation, continued efforts are essential to affirm and embrace transgender identities.
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