The first days of any presidency set the tone for the administration’s priorities. For President Donald Trump’s return to office, that tone has been clear—an outright attack on LGBTQIA+ rights. From executive orders restricting gender identity recognition to questionable leadership appointments, his policies are already harming individuals in my community. As someone who values equality and dignity for all, I cannot stay silent.
Erasing Gender Identity: A Blow to Trans Rights
One of Trump’s first executive orders has a controversial title. It is titled Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. It mandates that all federal documents must reflect an individual’s sex assigned at birth. This effectively strips away recognition and rights for transgender Americans at the federal level.
The real-world consequences of this policy are devastating. Euphoria star Hunter Schafer recently shared a troubling experience. Her newly issued passport listed her gender as male.
This happened despite her legal documentation reflecting her gender as female for years. This is not just an inconvenience. It is an erasure of identity. This act could lead to further discrimination or challenges in travel, employment, and everyday life.
A Culture War in the Arts: The Kennedy Center Controversy
Trump’s influence extends beyond policy it reaches into the cultural fabric of the nation. Trump appointed Richard Grenell as executive director of the Kennedy Center. This appointment quickly led to Trump’s own placement as chairman of the board.
Shortly after, the Kennedy Center canceled a Pride performance featuring the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington. The official stance claims the decision preceded Trump’s takeover. It was due to scheduling and financial issues. Skepticism is warranted based on past social media posts by President Trump.
Trump made a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, on February 7, 2025. This post only fuels doubts about the real motivations behind this decision.
The message is clear: spaces that once championed inclusiveness and diversity are being reshaped to fit a restrictive, exclusionary agenda. The LGBTQIA+ community is being pushed aside, told that our voices, stories, and identities are no longer welcome.
What Can We Do?
Living in Minnesota, a predominantly Democratic-led state, I am fortunate to have leadership that will likely resist these harmful policies. However, that does not mean I can be complacent. National-level attacks require a national response. Here are some ways I—and anyone who shares these concerns—can take action:
Call and Write to Federal Representatives
State leadership may resist these policies. However, our federal representatives still play a critical role. Contact senators and members of Congress to demand that they take a stand against these executive orders.
Support Advocacy Organizations
Groups like the ACLU, Human Rights Campaign, and National Center for Transgender Equality are fighting these policies. They are taking legal action in court. They are challenging these policies through legal means. Donations, volunteering, and spreading awareness can help them continue their work.
Amplify Voices of Those Affected
The stories of transgender individuals and LGBTQIA+ artists being impacted by these policies need to be heard. Sharing their experiences on social media, engaging in discussions, and supporting LGBTQIA+ creators can help push back against this erasure.
Vote and Encourage Voter Registration
The 2026 midterm elections will be crucial. Ensuring that pro-equality candidates take office is one of the most effective ways to push back against harmful policies.
Use My Platform
Wheels On Down the Road was created to foster open discussion, and now is the time to use it. I can contribute to the national conversation by writing, sharing, and engaging with others. I can also push back against this administration’s regressive agenda.
Final Thoughts
The fight for LGBTQIA+ rights is far from over. The setbacks we face today will require resilience. Unity and action are also needed. Trump’s policies attempt to erase identities, silence voices, and dismantle progress. But we are still here. We are still fighting.
I refuse to let this administration dictate the value of people in my community. Now is the time to stand up, speak out, and take action.
Sources:
Trump, D. J. (2025, January 20). Defending women from gender ideology extremism and restoring biological truth to the federal government. The White House. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government/
Yurcaba, J. (2025, February 10). ‘Euphoria’ star Hunter Schafer issued male passport due to Trump’s policy. NBC News. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/euphoria-star-hunter-schafer-issued-male-passport-rcna193212
Wilkie, C. (2025, February 12). Kennedy Center cancels Pride performance featuring Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington. The Hill. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5154147-kennedy-center-cancels-gay-chorus-performance/
Trump, D. J. (2025, February 7). Post on Truth Social. Retrieved from https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113964959500715895
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