The people importing Trump's anti-trans tactics to Australia
Jan 30, 2025
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Sam Elkin, a writer and lawyer known for his work with The Saturday Paper, highlights the alarming export of Trump's anti-trans tactics to Australia. He shares how the election of Trump instigated panic among trans people in the U.S., sparking discussions about safety and healthcare. Elkin discusses the implications of U.S. policy on Australian legislation, the rising anti-trans sentiment, and the political maneuvering that threatens minority rights. He emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and action amidst these worrying trends.
The election of Donald Trump incited immediate fear among the trans community regarding healthcare access and safety, prompting discussions of relocation.
Australia is witnessing a troubling alignment with Trump's anti-trans tactics as local politicians voice support, raising concerns for LGBTQIA+ rights.
Deep dives
Widespread Panic in the Trans Community
Following Donald Trump's election, a sense of fear and anxiety gripped the trans and gender diverse community in the United States. Many individuals expressed concerns about potential cancellations of upcoming surgeries and restrictions on access to hormone treatments, leading some to consider relocating to countries perceived as safer for trans people. This widespread panic highlights the immediate risks that were anticipated under Trump's administration, emphasizing the urgency for safe healthcare access. The community's challenge was further exacerbated by discussions concerning the establishment of escape plans and sharing information on nations that could offer refuge.
Executive Orders Restructuring Trans Rights
Trump took swift action to reshape policies impacting trans rights, signing executive orders that declared a narrow view of gender and restricted recognition of trans identities in federal documents. One notable order mandated that all governmental agencies recognize only two genders, severely limiting the acknowledgment of non-binary identities. This shift negatively affected various aspects of life, including housing and healthcare for trans individuals, as it prohibited them from accessing gender-appropriate facilities and healthcare necessary for their wellbeing. The broader implications of these policies showcased a significant challenge to the rights of trans people and highlighted the urgent need for advocacy and support.
Potential Impact on Australian Policies
The rise of anti-trans sentiment in the U.S. has prompted discussions about similar shifts in Australian politics, where recent actions by the Queensland government to pause gender-affirming treatment for minors have raised alarms. This move reflects a growing concern about the treatment of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Australia, especially as public sentiment and political opinions fluctuate. Meanwhile, prominent political figures have publicly expressed support for Trump's stance, highlighting a potential alignment with socially conservative policies that may endanger trans rights. The current landscape indicates that further efforts are necessary to safeguard rights and improve access to healthcare for trans and gender diverse communities across Australia.
Donald Trump returned to the White House with a campaign that routinely attacked trans gender people. On the night he was elected, trans people in the United States were panicking.
Online, they shared concerns about access to hormone treatment and surgery, while swapping notes about moving to countries where they might feel safer.
In Australia, writer and lawyer Sam Elkin began preparing for what the Trump era will mean for trans people in our country.
Now, senior federal politicians have begun voicingtheir support for Trump’s anti-trans tactics. But will his playbook work in Australia?