In the 34 days since Donald Trump took over as president of the United States, he has managed to anger yet another community: the transgenders. Last night, Trump's administration announced that they are revoking the guidance order that lets transgender students use the bathroom of their choice in schools.
The guidance was a landmark move under former president Barack Obama's administration. It calls for a stop on discrimination of transgender students in school, and allows them the privacy and right to use whichever gender's bathroom they feel comfortable in. The order, issued by Obama's Education Department, came into effect in May last year, and was celebrated as a move towards greater civil rights for transgender people.
Trump's rescinding of this guidance did not go down well with most Americans, including parents of transgender students. This was seen in the outrage across social media, coupled with statements from celebrities and tech giants.
I'd feel 1000x safer in a restroom with a transgender person than I would in a room with Donald Trump.
— Matthew Kick (@MatthewKick) February 23, 2017
Already, the Trump administration saw the first wave of protests right outside the White House, where 200 people waved rainbow flags and began chanting, “No hate, no fear, trans students are welcome here.”
Apple sent out a statement slamming Trump's recent move. “Apple believes everyone deserves a chance to thrive in an environment free from stigma and discrimination,” it said, “We support efforts toward greater acceptance, not less, and we strongly believe that transgender students should be treated as equals.”
Trump admin decision to roll back protections for transgender Americans is just plain wrong & cuts directly across the drive for equality.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) February 23, 2017
Democratic National Committee candidate Pete Buttigieg, who is openly gay, defended the LGBTQ community. On a national television debate, he expressed his support towards transgender students. “If you are a transgender teenager, high school is complicated and intimidating,” he said, “If your own leaders can't tell the difference between you and a predator, if that's what we are telling teenagers who they are, we shouldn't be surprised that we are pushing them toward having mental health issues.” He added that the number of transgender suicide rates have gone down since same-sex marriages were legalised in 2013.
If Donald Trump and the DOJ/Sessions won't protect the civil rights of transgender students then what makes you think they'll protect yours?
— The Tweetwit (@TheTweetwit) February 23, 2017
On Twitter, users criticised Trump's decision, trending #StandWithGavin and #ProtectTransKids. Gavin refers to transgender student Gavin Grimm, who was called out by school authorities for using the boys bathroom in his school in 2014. The school then forced transgender students to use the bathroom of the gender listed in their birth certificate, and not the one they identify with. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) continues to fight a law suit against the school. Gavin's story came back into news this year when, at the Grammys, transgender actor Laverne Cox (Orange is the New Black) spoke about him in her award acceptance speech.
Singer Jackie Evancho, who performed at Trump's inauguration, appealed to Trump. She has a transgender sister.
. @realDonaldTrump u gave me the honor 2 sing at your inauguration. Pls give me & my sis the honor 2 meet with u 2 talk #transgender rghts ❤
— jackie evancho (@jackieevancho) February 23, 2017
To the LGBTQ community, I'm sorry for the message that was sent today. They don't speak for all of us. We love you.
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) February 23, 2017
Come on Trump, even God is celebrating Trans rights! pic.twitter.com/Owshxg7yhZ
— Jay Duplass (@jayduplass) February 23, 2017
Brie Larson, known for her roles in 21 Jump Street and the upcoming Captain Marvel, tweeted, “This is disgusting. This is unacceptable. I #StandWithGavin and every Trans person who deserve nothing less than protection and equality.”
Chris Evans (Captain America), Jay Duplass (who stars in the transgender-based show Transparent), Ellen DeGeneres and Misha Collins (Supernatural) were among the many who spoke up against the revocation.
.@realDonaldTrump, do you wake up have a coffee & ask yourself, "how can I make the world suckier today?" https://t.co/Bv7j42aEOI
— Misha Collins (@mishacollins) February 23, 2017
Just seeing the news about removing laws protecting trans people. This isn’t about politics. It’s about human rights, and it’s not okay.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) February 23, 2017
According to legal advocates, however, the state governments had “no right” to interfere in federal laws. ACLU tweeted in agreement, saying that Trump's revocation “does not undo legal protections for transgender students.” The organisation also said that the Trump administration does not have the “authority” to do so. “Transgender students are protected by the Constitution & Title IX. Including in bathrooms.”
Trump's action sends a terrible message to transgender students. But these students should know the law is on their side. #StandWithGavin
— ACLU National (@ACLU) February 23, 2017
The move also found supporters online, with many congratulating Trump.
Obama transgender policy would have made 15 yr old girls sleep in a hotel room with 15 yr old boys on field trip. Trump made right move
— Jack Posobiec (@JackPosobiec) February 23, 2017
The “guidance” are a set of guidelines sent to schools, with a threat of revoking funding in case they do not comply with the guidelines. A federal law called Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in education.
The Left says Trump revoking the transgender bathroom laws is "congressional overreach"
— God_Bless_USA 🇺🇸 (@MihaljevichW) February 22, 2017
But Obama INVOKING same laws is NOT?#LibHypocrisy
Trump's administration found “loopholes” in the guidance, according to General Attorney Jeff Sessions. He said that the guidelines did not have “sufficient legal analysis or explain for the interpretation was consistent with the language of Title IX.” However, the Supreme Court will decide if Title IX is also applicable for transgender students.