A growing mental health crisis is unfolding among vulnerable transgender youth in California in the wake of recent policy decisions by the Trump administration. The impact of these political choices is rippling through communities, sparking fear, uncertainty, and a surge in mental health struggles among young transgender individuals.
In the aftermath of President Donald Trump’s election, LGBTQ crisis hotlines across the nation experienced a sharp increase in calls. The administration’s policies targeting transgender youth have left experts and advocates deeply concerned about the well-being of this already marginalized population. Even in California, a state known for its protective stance towards transgender individuals, nonprofit leaders and social workers have witnessed a concerning rise in depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideation among the youth they serve.
Jill Jacobs, the executive director of Family Builders, based in the Bay Area, works closely with LGBTQ youth. She describes the current climate as one of palpable fear among children and families, with a sense of terror hovering over them. Jacobs highlights data from The Trevor Project, a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention among LGBTQ youth, which reported a nearly 700% spike in mental health crisis hotline contacts immediately after the election.
The federal anti-transgender policies have not only exacerbated mental health challenges but also normalized prejudices that were once considered taboo. Communities in California have grappled with their own anti-transgender policies, including some school boards mandating staff to inform parents if their child identifies with a gender different from their official records – a practice now prohibited by state law. Advocates fear that drawing attention to their organizations could lead to funding cuts under the current administration.
The fall-out from these policies is keenly felt by transgender youth, who are grappling with heightened levels of anxiety and fear. While many of these young individuals exhibit remarkable resilience, the specter of the President of the United States threatening their rights instills a deep sense of dread within them. The open hatred and discrimination against the transgender community are at an all-time high, according to Jacobs, who has witnessed nearly three decades of advocacy unfold.
The Trevor Project’s peer-reviewed study revealed a 72% increase in suicide attempts among transgender youth in states with negative legislation targeting them. In response, California solidified its position as a sanctuary state for transgender healthcare two years ago, allowing individuals from other states to access hormones and puberty blockers here. Recent laws mandate California insurers to cover transgender healthcare services and safeguard medical licenses for providers offering such care.
However, with the Trump presidency, this sanctuary status is now under threat. Executive orders aimed at transgender individuals include recognizing only two biological sexes, jeopardizing funding for schools supporting transgender students, and barring transgender girls and women from participating in female sports. Another executive order seeks to halt the use of hormonal therapy and puberty blockers for individuals under 19, characterizing these treatments as “chemical and surgical mutilation” despite numerous studies proving their positive impact on mental health and suicide prevention among youth.
In response to this executive order, the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles initially suspended healthcare services for transgender individuals under 19, only reinstating them after a warning from the California Department of Justice. The administration has also initiated an investigation into the governing body overseeing high school sports in California, criticizing policies supporting transgender student-athletes.
Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued reminders to hospitals and clinics about state laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Amid these challenges, State Senator Scott Wiener introduced a new bill to bolster protections for transgender individuals, highlighting the increasing vulnerability of this marginalized population to discrimination and harm.
At the grassroots level, organizations like TransFamily Support Services in San Diego have witnessed a surge in fear and hopelessness among the youth they support. The uncertainty and hostility fueled by federal policies have left many young transgender individuals questioning their safety and identity, prompting concerns about personal and physical security, isolation, and anxiety.
The emotional toll of these policies is palpable, as illustrated by the experiences of Daniella, a 20-year-old transgender student in San Diego. Daniella’s encounter with verbal harassment in a classroom reflects the growing intolerance and hostility prevalent in society. Despite California’s protective laws, Daniella’s mental health deteriorated, leading to changes in appearance and increased psychiatric medication for self-preservation.
As concerns mount, mental health professionals like Tuiletufuga at the LGBT Community Center in San Diego emphasize the heightened vulnerability of transgender youth under the current administration. The federal attempts to defund programs and freeze healthcare funding have placed LGBTQ organizations at risk, jeopardizing essential services for the community.
Amidst these challenges, individuals like Ilan Meyer at UCLA Law School underscore the importance of resilience and community support for transgender youth. Meyer highlights the erosion of progress and the sense of safety that was once prevalent, urging for continued advocacy and solidarity to protect the rights and well-being of transgender individuals.
In the face of adversity, leaders like Kathie Moehlig at TransFamily Support Services call on California legislators to uphold the state’s sanctuary status and safeguard the rights of transgender individuals. The commitment to defending the rights and dignity of this vulnerable population remains unwavering, even as federal policies threaten to undermine years of progress and protection for transgender individuals.
As the battle for transgender rights intensifies, the community faces unprecedented challenges that demand unity, resilience, and unwavering support. The fight for equality and acceptance continues, as advocates, organizations, and individuals rally to protect the rights and well-being of transgender individuals in California and beyond. Through collective action and advocacy, the transgender community stands resilient, determined to overcome adversity and secure a future of equality and dignity for all.
