Executive Orders Under Trump: How Did They Affect Transgender Americans? A Call For Your Testimony

Chloe Fitzgerald

4 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

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Military Ban and its Ramifications

One of the most significant actions was the implementation of policies that effectively banned transgender individuals from serving openly in the military.

Executive Order 13767 (Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States): The Catalyst for Exclusion

While not explicitly targeting transgender individuals, Executive Order 13767, and subsequent memoranda, were interpreted to bar transgender people from military service. The administration's rationale, often cited, centered on concerns about medical costs and combat readiness. However, critics argued that this reasoning was discriminatory and lacked scientific basis.

• Legal Challenges: The ban faced immediate and widespread legal challenges, with numerous lawsuits filed by transgender service members and advocacy groups.
• Outcome of Legal Battles: These challenges led to protracted legal battles, ultimately resulting in a judicial overturning of the ban.
• Impact on Transgender Service Members: The ban had a devastating impact on the careers and mental health of transgender service members, many of whom faced discharge and loss of benefits. Estimates of the number of affected individuals varied, but the impact was significant.

Subsequent Legal Battles and Rescission

The legal fight to overturn the transgender military ban was arduous, involving multiple court cases and appeals. Key legal arguments focused on the violation of equal protection under the law. The Biden administration ultimately rescinded the ban, but the lingering effects on military recruitment and retention of transgender individuals remain a concern.

Healthcare Access and the Affordable Care Act (ACA)

The Trump administration's policies also significantly impacted access to gender-affirming healthcare for transgender individuals.

Rollbacks of Transgender Healthcare Protections under the ACA

Several actions by the Trump administration rolled back protections for transgender healthcare under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This included:

• Religious Exemptions: Expansion of religious exemptions allowed some healthcare providers to refuse to provide gender-affirming care, limiting access for transgender individuals.
• Regulatory Changes: Specific regulations and guidance documents were altered or withdrawn, impacting the ability of transgender individuals to access crucial medical services.

These actions resulted in significant barriers to care, impacting both physical and mental health outcomes for transgender Americans.

The Impact on Medicaid and Other Federal Healthcare Programs

Changes in funding and policy shifts affecting Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs also negatively impacted access to care for transgender individuals reliant on these programs. Reduced funding or stricter eligibility criteria directly translated into decreased access to essential medical services, including gender-affirming care.

Bathroom Bills and School Policies

The Trump administration's approach to transgender students' rights further complicated the lives of transgender youth.

Federal Guidance on Transgender Students' Rights

The Trump administration rescinded Obama-era guidance that protected transgender students' access to restrooms and educational opportunities consistent with their gender identity. This action effectively left the issue to individual states and school districts, resulting in:

• Increased Vulnerability: This created a more vulnerable environment for transgender students, potentially exposing them to harassment and discrimination.
• Rise in Discriminatory Legislation: The withdrawal of federal guidance contributed to a rise in state-level legislation targeting transgender rights in schools.

The Role of the Department of Education and its Policies

The Department of Education's actions, or rather, inaction, under the Trump administration played a crucial role in exacerbating the challenges faced by transgender students. The lack of federal protection and support emboldened those seeking to restrict the rights of transgender youth.

Conclusion: Executive Orders Under Trump and the Fight for Transgender Rights

The Trump administration's executive orders had a profound and lasting impact on transgender Americans, significantly affecting their access to healthcare, military service, and educational opportunities. The rollbacks of protections and the increase in discriminatory policies created significant barriers to equality and well-being. The consequences of these policies continue to affect the transgender community today. Share your story and help us document the impact of executive orders on transgender Americans. Your testimony is crucial. Let's work together to ensure future policies protect the rights of transgender individuals and promote a more inclusive society. Learn more about the continuing fight for transgender rights and get involved in advocating for change.