I’m a nonbinary queer individual raising three children, one of whom identifies as transgender. My partner and I maintain a long-distance relationship—I’m based in a more progressive area in the northeast, while she resides in a conservative region of the south. This division in our country allows states to impose varying laws on issues like housing, employment, health care, and marriage.
Some states provide a safer environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals than others, but federal protections are essential to counteract state-level discrimination. Everyone, regardless of their location, deserves access to fundamental human rights. While the previous administration sought to strip away many of my rights, Joe Biden is viewed as the most supportive president for the LGBTQIA+ community, and I genuinely believe my well-being depends on his leadership.
The Impact of the Previous Administration
If there’s one thing Trump excelled at, it was amplifying hatred, especially toward the LGBTQIA+ community. During his presidency, he made 180 anti-queer statements and took actions like removing protections against discrimination in health care, allowing foster agencies to reject queer couples, legalizing the exclusion of transgender individuals from shelters, and banning transgender service members from the military. He also appointed a conservative Supreme Court that will have lasting impacts beyond his presidency. In doing so, he fostered an environment that made the U.S. increasingly hostile for LGBTQIA+ individuals. His administration also included figures like Betsy DeVos, who, on her last day in office, further endangered transgender and queer students.
The Need for Federal Protections
Currently, there is no federal law that consistently protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Biden has promised to enact the Equality Act within his first 100 days, which would provide clear protections across all areas, including schools, workplaces, public spaces, and federally funded programs. The Human Rights Campaign reports that nearly two-thirds of queer Americans have faced discrimination. Presently, LGBTQIA+ individuals rely on the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other legislation that does not specifically protect sexual orientation and gender identity, leaving many cases of discrimination unaddressed. Biden’s plan includes directing his Cabinet to ensure full enforcement of the Equality Act across all federal departments.
A Diverse Administration
Biden has already begun to fulfill his promise by assembling a diverse team that reflects the communities he aims to protect. The administration includes two women of color who identify as lesbians, along with transgender veteran Shawn Skelly and Dr. Rachel Levine, who has been at the forefront of Pennsylvania’s pandemic response. Additionally, Pete Buttigieg has become the first openly gay Cabinet member. Biden’s relationship with Delaware State Senator Sarah McBride, a transgender woman, will likely hold him accountable in safeguarding the rights of transgender individuals, particularly transgender women of color and youth.
Policy Changes on the Horizon
Biden plans to reverse the damaging policies instituted by Trump, embracing science over prejudice, such as allowing individuals to donate blood based on health criteria rather than sexual orientation. He aims to collect data through the LGBTQ Data Inclusion Act to ensure that the unique needs of subgroups within the queer community are being addressed. This data collection could help bridge gaps in physical and mental health services, ultimately reducing unnecessary deaths within the community. His policies also include ending conversion therapy, restoring funding to vital organizations like Planned Parenthood, and implementing inclusivity training in schools, workplaces, and correctional facilities.
A Sense of Hope
Is it possible, Joe? While there’s much to accomplish, I felt a sense of hope when he acknowledged transgender voters in his acceptance speech. It marked the first time I felt seen by someone in a position of power who has the potential to improve my life and safety. For the first time, I can envision my transgender daughter receiving hormone blockers and other medical interventions when needed, with health insurance covering part of the costs. I released some of my fears and embraced a future that is more just for all queer individuals.
I understand that Biden won’t be able to implement all aspects of his plan, but his focus on the various threats facing the queer community—ranging from violence to mental health issues—indicates that he is listening and learning. Instead of anxiously anticipating the next anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, I look forward to a government that creates opportunities. Joe Biden is actively rewriting the narrative for my family and my community, and I hold onto the hope that erasure will no longer be an option.
Resources for Further Reading
For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, you can check out this excellent resource from Women’s Health. Also, if you’re interested in an at-home insemination syringe kit, visit this authority on the topic. And if you’re curious about privacy, you can read more here.
Probable Search Queries
- How to support a transgender child?
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- LGBTQIA+ rights under Biden administration?
- Resources for queer families.
- Home insemination options for LGBTQIA+ couples.
Conclusion
In summary, as a queer parent of a transgender daughter, I feel a renewed sense of hope with Biden’s administration. His commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community, such as enacting the Equality Act and reversing harmful policies from the previous administration, signals a brighter future for families like mine. With a diverse team and a focus on inclusion, there is potential for meaningful change that addresses discrimination and supports the health and well-being of all queer individuals.