Opinion : How Trump’s Presidency Threatens LGBTQ+ Rights

As an LGBTQ+ advocate and queer refugee, I’ve witnessed the resilience of our community, even amid harsh persecution. But with Donald Trump’s re-election, a renewed and troubling sense of dread has emerged across LGBTQIA+ communities worldwide, especially for those of us who have fled countries hostile to our identities. Trump’s track record of undermining LGBTQ+ protections has global implications, particularly for LGBTQIA+ refugees in South Africa and beyond.

Trump’s previous term marked a significant rollback in LGBTQ+ rights, especially for transgender people, with cuts to healthcare protections that had previously guaranteed basic respect and access to life-saving services. Allowing healthcare providers to deny care based on personal beliefs directly harmed LGBTQ+ people, especially those needing HIV services, mental health support, and gender-affirming treatment. The impact of these setbacks is still being felt, and with Trump’s return, these damaging policies may expand further, amplifying barriers to healthcare for queer individuals worldwide.

Trump’s influence also puts the financial backbone of LGBTQIA+ organizations at risk. His administration previously restricted funding to LGBTQIA+-affirming organizations globally, which led to significant resource cuts for grassroots organizations, especially in countries where queer communities face intense discrimination. Many LGBTQIA+ groups in Uganda and elsewhere rely on international funding to survive, providing critical services such as safe shelter, healthcare, and legal support. The loss of this funding could force some of these organizations to close, putting countless lives at risk.

This threat is felt deeply by LGBTQIA+ refugees, especially those who have sought asylum in South Africa. For queer refugees who fled homophobic laws and violence in their home countries, Trump’s anti-immigrant and anti-refugee stance is a chilling reminder of the hostility they left behind. His administration’s stringent policies severely limited access to asylum for those seeking safe haven, particularly queer and transgender refugees. South Africa is one of the few places where LGBTQIA+ refugees can find relative safety, but with the influence of Trump’s policies, global attitudes toward queer asylum seekers are at risk of becoming even less welcoming.

In Uganda, Trump’s re-election was met with celebration by political leaders. Speaker of Parliament Anita Among openly applauded his victory, expressing hope that Trump will lift U.S. sanctions against Ugandan officials implicated in corruption and human rights abuses. Her remarks indicate a troubling belief that Trump’s leadership will empower Uganda’s government to act with even less accountability. For queer Ugandans, especially those who have experienced violence and persecution, the removal of these sanctions would mean an environment of increased impunity for those in power, heightening the threat to vulnerable groups.

This is a defining moment for our community and our allies. Trump’s leadership may embolden those who wish to harm us, but we must remain steadfast in our fight for dignity, safety, and equality. We cannot allow political setbacks to undo the progress that has been made, nor the dreams of those who have risked everything to live freely. Our resilience and unity are more crucial now than ever before.

Frank Fabian Kalungi (Boldtype)
Ugandan LGBTQIA+ Advocate in South Africa
ED Prism empowerment and development initiative Ltd