Trans* Talk: Current Events

This week, I wanted to provide an update on current and relevant Trans* and Queer news from the past month. Legislation is moving quickly, and it can be difficult to keep track of important Trans* rulings that can keep you and/or your loved ones safe.

This Trans* Talk comes with a warning: most of the news below can be disheartening and alarming. While I have made the effort to balance out bad news with good or hopeful news, these events can trigger anxiety. Please take care of yourself and know that things are changing quickly; a piece of bad news today can turn into good news tomorrow, and there are many people who continue to fight for the rights of Trans* and Queer folks all over the country and the world. You are not alone.

 

Obergefell v Hodges

Obergefell v. Hodges is the landmark LGBTQ+ case in which the Supreme Court decided that marriage between same-sex couples was a fundamental right. Obergefell v. Hodges passed in June of 2015 (only ten years ago!), and while it faced opposition at the time of its passing, the case was ultimately complied with by the states. As of this past week, however, the Supreme Court has been formally asked to reconsider the decision for the first time. The petition to reconsider was created by Kim Davis, a former Kentucky county clerk who was held in jail for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

If Obergefell v. Hodges is overturned, which is unfortunately likely due to the current make-up of the Supreme Court, it would mean that same-sex couples could be denied marriage licenses or have current marriage licenses revoked. Luckily, the decision to do this would revert to the states, and depending on where someone lives or where a marriage license was obtained, couples could still maintain their right to marry and stay married.

The Evergreen Echo

Gender Healthcare for Minors

Many states have banned or are in the process of banning access to Trans* healthcare for minors. The number of states with a partial or complete ban on Trans* or gender-affirming healthcare has risen to 27. These states include Arkansas, Tennessee, Montana, and Texas.

There is unfortunately no unification on what the bans include, and they vary greatly from state to state. Some include a ban specifically on surgeries for minors, others block all forms of gender care including Hormone Replacement Therapy or puberty blockers, and still others target gender therapists, healthcare providers, and even parents who support Trans* youth.

For more information, I recommend following the map created by the Human Rights Campaign and the interactive Trans Legislation Tracker. Both are updated regularly and provide great insight into which states have bans on Trans* Healthcare and what anti-Trans bills are currently being considered nationwide. It is also heartening to see that a majority of the bills that have been considered since the start of 2025 have failed; as of writing, 972 bills have been considered and 644 have failed according to the Trans Legislation Tracker.

Olympics

In July, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) upheld Trump’s suggestion that they ban Transwomen from competing on women’s Olympic teams. USOPC’s decision came after Trump’s Executive Order, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports”, in February. Trump and the Republican administration have consistently upheld the belief that Transwomen make women’s sports unsafe, saying that Transwomen abuse “real” women, and that Transwomen enter women’s sports in order to win with “unfair natural advantages.” The claims made by the administration and in Trump’s Executive Order are completely unfounded. A good summary of the facts surrounding Transwomen in sports can be found here.

The International Olympics Committee (IOC) appears to be firmly following its 2021 “Framework on Fairness, Inclusion and Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity and Sex Variations.” While not perfect, the IOC’s commitment to inclusion stands at a stark contrast to the USOPC’s decision.

It is also worth noting that while the Trump administration, USOPC, and IOC all have restrictions and direct statements regarding women’s sports and Transwomen, there is little-to-no mention of Transmasculine involvement in sports. As I’ve mentioned before, Transwomen of Color remain the most targeted minority group amongst the Queer community, and the Trump administration’s focused attacks on Transwomen has a compounding and devastating effect.

The Evergreen Echo

Support in Sports

In good sports news, there have been many allies and Trans* folks who have stood up against the devaluation of diversity and inclusion in sports following the Trump administration’s recent anti-Trans* and Queer rhetoric. The NFL’s Minnesota Vikings (of Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts” fame) have spoken out against the homophobia and backlash surrounding their two new men cheerleaders.

Another NFL star, Khalen Saunders, a former player for the New Orleans Saints, is hosting a football camp for youths focusing on uplifting LGBTQ+ people. Because the NFL is primarily seen as a straight man’s game, Saunder’s focus on LGBTQ+ players is particularly inspiring. His foundation, The Original Element, supports and promotes inclusion and access to football for all youth.

 

TDOR 2025

I want to end on something you can look forward to in the coming months. Transgender Day of Remembrance and its sibling event, Transgender Awareness Week, are coming up this Fall. November 13-19 marks Transgender Awareness Week, a time to uplift the community and bring awareness to the difficulties we face. During this week, there are often events for Trans* community members, marches or protests, and an emphasis on allyship. On the 20th, we observe Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), a day to remember and acknowledge lives lost to anti-Trans violence and legislation. While TDOR can be somber, it is also often a day full of love and honor. Not only do we mourn for the Trans* siblings we have lost, but we also celebrate their lives and hope for better futures for our Trans* youth.

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As always, I wish to remind you that every act of resistance, no matter how small, adds to our collective voice. While times may seem dark, we often win more battles than we lose, and our joy has the power to change our future for the better.