US Introduces 700+ Anti-Trans Bills, Risking Youth Health, Safety Nets

Under President Donald Trump's second administration, anti-LGBTQ+ measures, particularly targeting transgender individuals, have intensified significantly. Executive orders banning transgender women in sports and transgender troops in the military, along with legislative efforts like the 'big, beautiful bill' threatening Medicaid and SNAP benefits tied to gender-affirming care, have escalated hardships for the transgender community. Since 2021, 25 states have enacted bans on gender-affirming care for transgender youth, causing severe mental health consequences, including increased anxiety, depression, and suicide attempts, as highlighted by a Human Rights Watch report. These laws and federal actions contribute to a hostile environment, forcing many transgender individuals to consider relocating to more affirming areas. The Supreme Court is poised to weigh in on these issues, while debates continue about the intersection of religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights, with critics warning that anti-LGBTQ+ laws often lack secular justification and are rooted in religious beliefs. Despite increased attacks, Pride Month events persist nationwide, symbolizing ongoing resistance and calls for equality.