Here are 9 effed up orders issued by Donald Trump that harm the LGBTQ+ community

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As of January 2025, the administration of Donald Trump has begun to take several actions that have drawn widespread concern among LGBTQ+ advocates and allies. These moves, which include executive orders and policy changes, are seen by many as harmful to the rights and well-being of LGBTQ individuals. Here’s an overview of some of the key orders and decisions that have raised alarm within the LGBTQ+ community:

Rollback of LGBTQ+ Protections in Healthcare

One of the first major actions taken by the Trump administration this year was the reversal of key protections for LGBTQ individuals in healthcare. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), regulations prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in healthcare settings. However, the Trump administration issued an executive order that reversed these protections, allowing healthcare providers to deny services to LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender people. Critics argue that this rollback increases the risk of discrimination, including denial of necessary gender-affirming care, which can have devastating consequences for transgender individuals.

Ban on Transgender Service Members in the Military

The Trump administration reinstated the military’s ban on transgender individuals serving openly. The ban prevents transgender people from enlisting or serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and forces those already serving to either transition to their gender assigned at birth or leave the service. This order undermines the rights of transgender individuals to serve their country and has sparked protests from both veterans and active-duty service members who believe in the importance of inclusivity and equality in the military.

Revocation of Federal LGBTQ+ Protections in Housing

In a continuation of previous policy rollbacks, the Trump administration rescinded a series of federal guidelines that provided protections for LGBTQ individuals in housing. These protections, which were designed to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, were initially put in place during the Obama administration. With the new executive order, LGBTQ individuals now face the risk of being denied housing or evicted based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, particularly in states that lack state-level protections.

Exemptions for Religious Organizations from LGBTQ+ Protections

Another controversial move came in the form of a directive that granted religious organizations an exemption from anti-discrimination laws, allowing them to legally refuse to provide services or employment to LGBTQ individuals on religious grounds. This executive order expanded the ability of faith-based organizations to cite religious freedom as a reason for denying LGBTQ individuals access to certain services, including adoption, healthcare, and employment. Many LGBTQ advocates argue that this order fosters discrimination under the guise of religious liberty.

End of Federal Funding for LGBTQ+ Youth Programs

In 2025, Trump’s administration moved to cut federal funding for programs aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ youth, particularly those facing homelessness or bullying. These programs, which provided vital resources such as safe housing, mental health services, and educational support, were essential for LGBTQ+ youth who often face rejection from their families and communities. Advocates argue that the loss of these programs could leave vulnerable young people without crucial support systems.

Censorship of LGBTQ+ Content in Public Schools

Another directive issued by the Trump administration focused on restricting the inclusion of LGBTQ+ topics in public school curricula. This order bans the teaching of LGBTQ+ history and the discussion of LGBTQ+ issues in K-12 classrooms, citing concerns about “age-appropriate” content. This policy has been met with strong opposition from educators, parents, and LGBTQ+ organizations who argue that it erases LGBTQ+ identities and contributes to further stigmatization of LGBTQ youth in schools.

Rejection of International LGBTQ+ Rights Efforts

In a broader international context, Trump’s 2025 foreign policy decisions have also raised concerns. The administration has cut funding for global LGBTQ+ rights advocacy and withdrawn support for international initiatives aimed at combating LGBTQ+ discrimination, particularly in countries where LGBTQ individuals face criminalization or violence. This retreat from global leadership in human rights undermines efforts to protect LGBTQ individuals worldwide.

Increased Restrictions on LGBTQ+ Asylum Seekers

A further development in 2025 has been the introduction of stricter guidelines for LGBTQ asylum seekers. The administration has narrowed the criteria under which LGBTQ individuals fleeing persecution can claim asylum in the U.S. This has led to fears that LGBTQ individuals in countries where they face violence and discrimination may be turned away at the border or forced to return to unsafe situations.

Suspension of funding for global anti-HIV program

This past Friday, the Trump administration halted all global health funding from the U.S. — and that appears to include PEPFAR, the widely praised program created by President George W. Bush in 2003 to prevent HIV/AIDS. With its $6.5 billion annual budget, PEPFAR — the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief — provides HIV/AIDS medications for over 20.6 million people, keeping patients alive and preventing them from transmitting the virus. It also offers testing and education on HIV/AIDS. According to a State Department fact sheet, PEPFAR has saved the lives of an estimated 26 million people since its inception.

The series of orders taken by the Trump administration in 2025 represents a significant rollback of LGBTQ+ rights, reinforcing concerns that the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ individuals are increasingly under threat. These policies directly impact the LGBTQ community’s access to healthcare, education, military service, housing, and even safety in their own country. As activists and advocates continue to challenge these measures, the battle for LGBTQ rights remains a critical issue in the United States under this administration.