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On the first day of his second term, President Donald Trump signed an executive order attacking transgender people, mandating that the federal government recognize only male and female genders, among other actions. Though the government can exclude trans people from federal sex discrimination protections and make it more difficult for trans people to navigate certain spaces, the government cannot decide who you are or how you identify.
Still, Trump's assault against trans rights on his first day in office had an impact on trans kids: According to the Trevor Project, the suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people saw a 33% increase in call volume to its crisis services on Inauguration Day as compared to prior weeks. The bump in calls on January 20 follows a historic 700% increase in volume on November 6 — the day after Trump was elected.
“No matter your political beliefs or how you feel about the current administration, one thing must be made clear to all of us living in the United States: Real young people’s lives are at risk — and we must take immediate action to support LGBTQ+ youth,” Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, says in an email statement to Teen Vogue. “Suicide prevention transcends politics. And we are sounding the alarm for all lawmakers, community leaders, and adults who care about the health and survival of young people in their communities: The political targeting of LGBTQ+ youth — and transgender and nonbinary youth in particular — must stop.”
If you're a young trans person struggling to cope with the Trump administration's actions and statements, you're not alone. Below is a list of resources and organizations that can support you, along with some crucial reading to remind you that trans people were around well before Trump — and will be here long after. For parents, friends, and allies, you'll find some crucial ways you can support the trans young people in your lives.
If you're in crisis or experiencing suicidal ideations, help is available.
You can reach the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988. To reach an LGBTQ+-trained crisis counselor, dial 988 and press 3. You can also text with an LGBTQ+-trained counselor by sending the word PRIDE to 988, or you can chat online here.
You can also reach out to the Trevor Project's crisis services here, by calling 1-866-488-7386, or by texting “START” to 678678.
Organizations and Resources
Despite what can seem like a deluge of anti-trans bills, policies, and language, there are a lot of people on your side, fighting for trans rights. Here, we've compiled a list of just some of the many organizations doing just that, and some that provide resources if you're in need. The following are national organizations. If you're looking for something more local, there may be groups near your hometown where you can access help and community.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): The ACLU is dedicated to protecting civil rights nationwide, including transgender rights. This organization will keep you up-to-date on challenges to anti-trans laws, educate you about your rights, and, through state affiliates, may help you with legal challenges.
Erin Reed: Reed, a journalist, always has the latest on the news most impacting trans people today. She provides helpful breakdowns of complex scenarios and the on-the-ground reporting we all need.
For the Gworls: A Black trans-led collective, For the Gworls hosts parties and other fundraisers to help Black trans people get the money they need to access key health care services, housing, and cover other necessary expenses.
GLAAD: GLAAD uplifts and supports the LGBTQ+ community, working to ensure “fair, accurate, and inclusive representation that rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance.” It offers resources to the community, tracks news impacting LGBTQ+ people, and much more.
G.L.I.T.S.: G.L.I.T.S. aims to set its community up for long-term success by helping certain at-risk communities access housing, crisis care, health care, and more.
The Okra Project: The Okra Project is a mutual aid collective that supports Black trans people. The group's resources go toward providing food, housing, and health security to their community.
Transanta: This mutual aid program connects anonymous gift-givers with trans kids who are unhoused, in the foster care system, or generally without support. The goal? “To show trans youth that they are loved and supported, and that they have a family of people around the world who care for them, believe in them, and want them to succeed.”
Transgender Law Center: Led by trans people, the Transgender Law Center advocates for and protects the trans community in the legal system and beyond.
TransLash Media: Stories are powerful, and that's the point of TransLash Media. Founded by Imara Jones, a Black trans journalist, TransLash shares the stories of trans Americans, documenting their lives in this tumultuous era.
The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is dedicated to suicide prevention in the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to research and advocacy, the Trevor Project offers a 24/7 crisis call and text lines and online chat where you can talk to trained counselors.
How to Navigate Gender-Affirming Care
As states attack gender-affirming care for teens, it can be hard to understand what you can access and how. Below are some resources to help you figure out the laws in your state, and some organizations you can rely on for help and information.
Understanding the Laws
Organizations like KFF, the Movement Advancement Project, and the Trans Legislation Tracker watch the state of anti-trans legislation across the country and frequently update their helpful maps. You can check these maps to see what laws and policies exist in your state.
How to Access Care
This will depend on the laws in your state, but there are organizations that can help you. If you can't talk to your primary care physician about gender-affirming care, Folx Health and Planned Parenthood are other great options, both of which can also help you navigate the legislative landscape where you live.
How to Find a Therapist
If you're looking for mental health support, finding a supportive and affirming therapist is key. Here's a guide for how to find a therapist who meets your needs.
Who to Follow on Social Media
Seeing other trans people thriving is a powerful reminder that the government cannot legislate away your identity or your joy. Here's a non-comprehensive list of people to follow on social media who can provide a reminder of that for you.
Chase Strangio: You likely know Chase as the first openly transgender lawyer to argue before the Supreme Court in United States v. Skrmetti, the case that will decide whether states can ban trans kids from accessing gender-affirming care. A lawyer for the ACLU, Chase posts helpful tips, analyses, and critiques that you might find useful in the coming years.
Raquel Willis: An activist, author, and all-around powerhouse, Raquel is one of the cofounders of Gender Liberation Movement and an architect of the Gender Liberation March. Raquel uses her platform to amplify her activism and to share words of wisdom, always centering hope and power.
Elliot Page: Do we really need to explain? If you're a fan of Elliot's work, he's an obvious follow. But beyond his fame, Elliot's posts are sweet, happy, and pretty normal (aside from the celebrity cameos). There's power in posting about trans rights (which Elliot also does), but mostly, Elliot's page is just his everyday happiness — something we all need more of.
Miss Major: An icon, a Stonewall veteran, and a “Black Trans community motha,” Miss Major Griffin-Gracey is a trans elder and a living reminder of just how far the trans community has come.
Tourmaline: Tourmaline's art is a gift. You can find her work on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MASS MoCA, and other prominent museums, largely dedicated to highlighting the way Black, queer, and trans people impact the world. Her account is a reflection of her important art, but we wouldn't blame you for following her for her incredible outfits alone.
Dylan Mulvaney: Dylan rose to fame by documenting her transition on TikTok, and she hasn't stopped posting updates on her “Days of Girlhood” since. Dylan has a forthcoming memoir and is generally a girl about town, but again, worth a follow just for the looks alone.
What to Watch and Read
Art can be healing, especially when you see your experience reflected back at you. In dark times, turning to empowering books, movies, and TV shows can be both comforting and galvanizing — an important element to weathering this storm.
Books:
Amateur: A True Story of What Makes a Man by Thomas Page McBee
Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson by Tourmaline
Nevada by Imogen Binnie
Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity by Julia Serrano
Who's Afraid of Gender? by Judith Butler
Transgender History by Susan Stryker
TV and Movies
How Allies Can Help
One of the best ways you can help the trans youth in your life is to be supportive and kind. Use their correct pronouns and name, educate yourself on the challenges they may face, and listen to them when they speak. Beyond those basic steps, make sure you keep up-to-date on any anti-trans laws and policies in your state so you can help the trans person you love navigate those challenges. You can also donate to the organizations listed above to provide material support, and you can read the stories of other trans people to get a better idea of their lived experience.
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