Donald Trump has re-entered the White House and millions of marginalised people, especially those within the LGBTQI+ community, are bracing for the impact. His previous presidency was marked by divisive policies, harmful rhetoric and direct attacks on LGBTQI+ rights and his second term promises more of the same.
Trump, who once tweeted that he was ‘the most pro-gay president in US history’, has consistently worked to strip away our hard-won rights. His influence has been vast, harmful, and at times, deadly. From discriminatory policies to dangerous public statements, Trump’s actions have deeply affected the LGBTQI+ community and the consequences of his second term could be catastrophic. Here’s a breakdown of what a second Trump presidency means for our community.
What a Trump presidency means for LGBTQ+ Americans:
If Trump’s first term was any indication, the second term will see further attacks on LGBTQI+ rights, particularly those of trans people, who were already targeted during the election campaign.
Trans rights
Trump attempted to restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare in his first term and a second term could bring even harsher policies. This includes limiting healthcare access and redefining gender in ways that exclude and harm trans people. The ban on trans people serving in the military is expected to be reinstated and other government services might also adopt more discriminatory policies.
Religious freedoms versus LGBTQI+ rights
Conservative religious groups will continue to gain influence in Trump’s administration. This will lead to more policies that allow discrimination against LGBTQI+ communities in the name of ‘religious freedom’. From denying healthcare to allowing faith-based organisations to refusing services, these policies will erode our community’s equal access to essential services.
Conservative judges
Trump’s appointments of conservative judges have already led to decisions that negatively affect LGBT+ rights. A second term may see even more conservative judges appointed and rulings made against existing legal protections including marriage equality, anti-discrimination laws and access to healthcare.
State-level legal challenges
Trump’s rhetoric and policies have emboldened anti-gay and trans forces at the US-state level. Expect more public debates, legal battles and ballot measures that attempt to reverse rights at the local level in America.
What a Trump presidency means for LGBTQI+ Australians:
While the direct impact of a Trump presidency may seem distant, the evidence of his influence on the cultural zeitgeist is undeniable.
Global culture war
Trump’s influence on global LGBTQI+ issues has already been profound. His rhetoric on trans rights, same-sex marriage and gender identity has fuelled similar debates in Australia. Despite Australia’s legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2017, Trump’s rollback of LGBTQI+ rights in the US has inspired some conservative groups in Australia to similarly push back on progress. Issues like trans rights, gender-neutral language and same-sex marriage have become battlegrounds with many Aussies echoing Trump’s divisive stance.
Complex social media landscape
Changes to Meta’s hateful conduct policy have emerged as tech leaders bend to Trump’s influence. With Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg ending its fact-checking program, Zuckerberg has now voiced a desire to ‘work with Trump’ to combat ‘censorship’. This move has allowed harmful rhetoric about our community to flourish under the platform’s hateful conduct policy, including allegations that being queer is a ‘mental illness’ or an ‘abnormality’. This shift represents a dangerous trend in social media platforms that will likely exacerbate online harassment and misinformation.
A conservative Australian government
If you’ve been watching the parade of big names entering Mar-a-Lago, you’ve seen the desperation of powerful figures and corporations to align themselves with Trump. Currently, polling in Australia indicates that the Coalition could likely win the upcoming election. If the Coalition gains power with Peter Dutton as PM, expect to see significantly less resistance to Trump’s influence and policies in Australia, possibly including Trump’s anti-LGBTQI+ stance, further emboldening the global right-wing movement and winding back some of the progress we’ve made.
What you can do to support your community:
It’s crucial that we continue to fight for the rights and dignity of all LGBTQI+ people. Here’s how you can make a difference.
Stay informed
Knowledge is power. Stay updated on policies that threaten our rights and share this information with others, in person and on social media. This helps to ensure that those most at risk and their allies can act when needed.
Advocate for change
Contact your representatives and senators to voice your support for LGBTQI+ rights. Advocate for laws that protect queer people from discrimination, ensuring access to gender-affirming healthcare and protecting against harmful practices like conversion therapy.
Support LGBTQI+ organisations
Volunteer or donate to local LGBTQI+ organisations such as Meridian or ACON. Your support helps them to continue their vital work in advocacy, legal defence and community support.
Educate and challenge prejudice
Engage with people who may hold prejudiced views. Use facts, personal experiences and respectful dialogue to dispel myths about gender identity, sexual orientation and LGBTQI+ history. Your efforts can help create a more supportive environment for all of us.
Use your privilege to amplify voices
If you hold privilege (e.g. financially, being cisgender, heterosexual, white), use it to amplify the voices of marginalised LGBTQI+ people, especially trans and people of colour who are disproportionately affected by discriminatory policies.
Attend LGBTQI+ events
Whether it’s a Pride parade, a rally or a community meeting, showing up for a rainbow community event strengthens solidarity. Your presence makes a difference and fosters a sense of community and inclusion.
Create safe spaces
Advocate for inclusive, safe spaces in schools, workplaces and public areas. If you hold a position of power or influence, ensure that all LGBTQI+ members feel respected, protected, seen and safe.
