The new administration’s onslaught of executive orders (EOs) is a deliberate attempt to confuse and scare transgender and gender-expansive communities, as well as their allies, providers, parents, and supporters. These orders are designed to sow fear, shame, and panic by using hostile, divisive, and derogatory language to describe gender-expansive individuals and the care they receive. Their true intent is clear: to intimidate and target transgender and nonbinary people, their partners, providers, and those who seek affirming care, legal recognition, and the right to live full, proud lives.
On a practical level, many—if not all—of these executive orders are blatantly illegal, nonsensical, and will face immediate legal challenges. But that does not make them any less harmful. They are intended to create uncertainty and distress, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed or discouraged, know that this reaction is by design.
At The Gender & Sexuality Therapy Center, we refuse to be intimidated. We are here, and we will continue to provide affirming, high-quality mental health care for as long as we are able. No political decision will shake our commitment to our clients and communities.
As dark as this moment feels, queer and trans communities have a long and deep history of resilience, resistance, and fighting for our lives. While recent years have seen hard-won legal protections, we remember that these rights were never given—they were fought for. What is happening now is terrifying, pushing us backward at an alarming rate, but we are not where we were decades ago. Our communities are stronger, more visible, and more organized than ever. Queer and trans people are in leadership positions across society and government, and hundreds of organizations are dedicated to fighting for our rights.
We invite you to remember this: we are powerful, and that power will never be erased.
With solidarity and care.