Transgender Community Faces Renewed Challenges Under Trump’s Administration
Amid a political climate charged with new executive orders, Chandler Mohammed, a 23-year-old trans, nonbinary individual based in Charlotte, recalls the emotional turbulence experienced during Trump’s initial ascent to the presidency. “Most of us were people of color or queer,” Mohammed noted, reflecting on the mixed reactions from peers. “People either came there very sympathetic like, ‘Oh my god, I’m scared for y’all,’ or, ‘Oh my god, I’m so scared for me.’”
During Trump’s first term, policies affecting the LGBTQ community were a key concern. These included opposition to the Equality Act, a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, and the appointment of conservative judges that influenced Title IX gender protections. The reinstatement of Trump has reignited fears for Mohammed and others. “It hasn’t even been a month yet, and he’s doing so much,” they expressed. “We’re such a small part of the population that targeting us when there are all these issues happening, it doesn’t make logical sense to target us right now.”
Chandler has since found solace in Time Out Youth, a community center in east Charlotte dedicated to LGBTQ youth. The center’s CEO, Sarah Mikhail, reported a significant increase in therapy referrals, noting an average of five young individuals seeking safe spaces weekly. “Our therapy referrals have gone through the roof,” said Mikhail.
In recent weeks, Trump has enacted an executive order defining only two biological sexes and has advocated for relocating transgender women to men’s prisons. Additionally, the military ban on transgender individuals has been revisited. Supporters argue these measures are essential for safeguarding women and girls from potential threats and maintaining fairness in sports. They also oppose medical treatments for transgender youth, citing similar restrictions in certain European nations, such as the U.K.’s ban on puberty blockers for individuals under 18.
On Wednesday, another executive order was signed, prohibiting transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports. Meredith Thompson, Managing Director of Charlotte Pride, emphasized, “I think it’s important to remember that executive orders don’t create or change law. These things have to be played out and we’re going to stand up and fight it.” Mikhail echoed similar sentiments, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to resisting these policies.
Time Out Youth, a nearly 34-year-old institution, continues to provide support for trans, nonbinary, and other marginalized youth. Mikhail asserted, “We have existed, we will exist…under six presidential administrations.”
In North Carolina, transgender individuals constitute less than 1% of the population, according to UCLA’s Williams Institute. The Charlotte region is home to approximately 100,000 LGBTQ individuals. Charlotte Trans Health is actively collaborating with the transgender community, leveraging their role as healthcare professionals to advocate for trans rights. Executive Director Holly Savoy stated, “We’ve been speaking up and continue to plan to use our privilege as health care professionals to stand up and speak out and do what we can to advocate for trans rights and especially for access to healthcare.”
Despite the challenges, local LGBTQ leaders remain resolute. Darren Smith, a Board Director at Charlotte Pride, encourages members of the trans and nonbinary community to seek support. “What my message is to our trans family, our nonbinary family is to surround themselves with folks that support them and lift them up,” he advised. “And if they don’t have those folks in their lives, they can come to us and find those folks.”
For Mohammed, maintaining mental health is a priority. “I feel like we’re all just in a stage of coping right now,” they shared. “We just need to be taking care of ourselves and we just need to be taking care of our community right now.” No longer in the phase of self-discovery, Mohammed is prepared to stand firm in the face of adversity.
