Cleveland: After Trump won, Max Kuzma, a trans man, rushed to update his documents. He felt lucky to have changed his name already but worried about the future. Like many, he feared Trump would attack LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare.
When Trump signed the executive order, it felt like “a twist of the knife” for Kuzma. He was shocked to hear Trump declare only two genders during his inaugural speech. The order restricts federal documents to just male and female, reversing progress made under Biden, who had introduced a non-binary option.
Kuzma sees this as a dark beginning for efforts to erase trans identities. Each point in the order made him feel worse. He transitioned in 2019 and feels fortunate to have lived openly, but he worries for younger trans folks facing a tougher world.
In the U.S., only 1.6 million people identify as trans, yet they face constant attacks from Republican leaders. This election cycle saw nearly $215 million spent on anti-trans ads. Some Democrats also blamed trans youth for electoral losses, which added to the frustration.
Despite the challenges, trans and non-binary people are standing strong. The ACLU is ready to fight back against anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Chase Strangio, a lawyer, reassured everyone that existing laws still protect their rights.
Many in the trans community are anxious about how the executive order will impact their lives. Zaya Perysian, a trans woman in Los Angeles, is worried about renewing her passport. She felt overwhelmed but found strength in her mom’s reminder to keep fighting.
Hunter Gromala, a non-binary person from Kansas, chose not to engage with the inauguration. They felt the community’s pain but wanted to spread hope and information. Even though some feel exhausted, many are still committed to resistance.
Corinne Goodwin, from the Eastern PA Trans Equity Project, spent inauguration day talking to worried families. She heard from a mom scared for her child’s mental health. The backlash on social media has been tough, but the community is resilient.
Javannah J Davis, leading a non-profit in Rochester, said the executive order complicates life for her community. Yet, she believes in their strength and the importance of organizing and celebrating visibility.
Goodwin often tells her community that trans people are like sharks: they must keep moving forward to survive. Progress can be slow, but it’s essential to keep pushing ahead, no matter how tough it gets.
