Anti-Trans Legislation Surges in the U.S. as Trump Targets LGBTQ Rights

In 2025, the United States has witnessed an alarming increase in anti-transgender legislation, with over a thousand bills introduced across 49 states. Of these, more than 100 have been enacted this year alone, contributing to what has become five consecutive years of record-breaking anti-trans measures. This surge in anti-trans sentiment has been fueled by political figures, including former President Donald Trump, who has made targeting transgender individuals a key component of his agenda.

The Supreme Court’s June ruling that upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care has set a precedent, paving the way for similar legislation in at least 26 states. This term, the court is also set to deliberate on the constitutionality of transgender sports bans that have emerged in 27 states and whether states can enact prohibitions on LGBTQ conversion therapy.

According to Advocates for Trans Equality, Trump’s administration has aggressively targeted transgender individuals, attempting to revert societal progress. They state, “This administration has sought to force the nation back to an imaginary time where people like us didn’t exist.” Since assuming office, Trump has rescinded key executive orders aimed at promoting LGBTQ rights, restricted diversity and inclusion programs, and directed government agencies to halt gender-affirming care for trans youth.

The far-right rhetoric has escalated, with Trump’s administration labeling individuals and organizations supporting gender diversity as “domestic terrorists.” Vice President JD Vance has further implied that advocating for transgender rights aligns with a “terrorist movement.” These developments have emboldened far-right groups, resulting in increased hostility toward transgender individuals.

The impact of these policies is profound. Rising incidents of harassment, violence, and mental health issues among transgender individuals are reported, with many feeling compelled to hide their identities. A study conducted by Advocates for Trans Equality shows that since 2024, approximately 55 percent of transgender individuals have taken steps to become less visible. Some families, particularly those in more conservative states, have relocated in search of safer environments, only to face challenges accessing gender-affirming care even in states considered more accepting.

In September 2025, Zane McNeill and two colleagues published a book titled Be Gay, Do Crime: Everyday Acts of Queer Resistance and Rebellion. The book aims to highlight radical queer history, countering the often sanitized narratives that dominate mainstream discourse. It features a range of stories that reflect the resilience of LGBTQ communities against systemic oppression. McNeill expressed that this resource was essential for young LGBTQ individuals feeling marginalized in their environments.

Following the publication, the far-right quickly targeted McNeill and their work. The murder of a right-wing figure on September 10 led to immediate scapegoating of the LGBTQ community, aligning with a common pattern seen after incidents of gun violence. The online backlash included accusations of promoting “terrorism” against LGBTQ individuals, further illustrating the hostile climate.

Anti-trans policies have tangible consequences. According to the 2025 Trans Day of Remembrance Report, 27 transgender individuals were murdered, and 21 died by suicide in the year leading up to the report, with actual numbers likely higher due to misgendering in media reporting. The defunding of the LGBTQ suicide hotline underscores the dangerous implications of these legislative actions, as many perceive the policies as a direct threat to their existence.

Despite the oppressive environment, advocates assert that the existence of transgender individuals challenges the authoritarian narratives that seek to define gender and identity in binary terms. “Our very existence challenges the fundamental tenets of fascism,” McNeill stated. By embracing their identities, transgender and intersex individuals symbolize resistance against rigid societal norms and showcase the diversity of human experience.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the struggle for LGBTQ rights remains critical. Advocates emphasize the need for solidarity and resilience in the face of adversity, underscoring that the fight for equality is far from over.