Dehumanization by Policy: A Trans Woman’s Response to America’s Approval of Hate

I came across an article the other day that gutted me. It stated that a majority of Americans—about 52%—approve of Donald Trump’s handling of transgender issues.

To say this is disheartening doesn’t even scratch the surface. It’s soul-crushing.

It was already difficult enough to watch millions vote for him in 2016 and again in 2020, then hear them claim, “Oh, I didn’t vote for him because of the trans stuff—it’s about the economy,” or “I didn’t know he’d target trans people.”

Really? He talked about us at every single rally—and not with kindness.

But now, according to this poll, most of those surveyed support exactly what he’s done: banning gender-affirming care, targeting trans youth, stripping protections, and fueling a culture war where we are the battleground. That’s not just ignorance. That’s cruelty. That’s violence, packaged as policy.

Let’s be honest: this isn’t about disagreement anymore. This is about dehumanization.

And that is terrifying.

People say, “Well, gender is simple. It’s biology.” No. That’s lazy. That’s willful ignorance. Biological sex and gender are complex—ask any endocrinologist, geneticist, or gender-affirming medical provider. But of course, most people forming opinions on our lives have never cracked a biology textbook since high school.

So let me be blunt:If you are not trans, not a doctor who specializes in gender dysphoria, or not a mental health professional with real training in trans health—your opinion isn’t just uninformed. It’s harmful. You don’t know what you’re talking about, and yet somehow, you feel entitled to decide how we live, who we are, and whether we deserve to exist safely.

Why is that?

Why do so many people think it’s okay to dehumanize trans people?

Is it fear? Insecurity? Projection? Does punching down make people feel taller?

Because that’s what this is: a punching down. A public campaign to erase us, devalue us, debate us like we’re policies and not people.

And I’m sick of it.

This obsession with our existence isn’t about morality or science or protecting children. It’s about power—keeping some people safe while making others suffer. And if you’re on the side cheering it on, make no mistake: you are complicit in that harm.

Trans people are not your debate topic. We are not political talking points. We are human beings trying to live full, authentic lives like everyone else.

And I want to be clear—I’m not asking for tolerance. I’m demanding dignity.

To those who feel overwhelmed and helpless in the face of this relentless cruelty: I see you. To my fellow trans siblings: I love you. You matter. We matter. We’re not going anywhere, no matter how many laws they pass or talking heads they throw at us.

The world may try to dehumanize us, but we are still here.

And we are not silent.

🏳️‍⚧️ National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE)Advocates to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people.🔗 https://transequality.org

🏳️‍⚧️ Trans LifelineA grassroots hotline and microgrant organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis. Staffed entirely by trans operators.📞 U.S. 877-565-8860 | Canada 877-330-6366🔗 https://translifeline.org

🏳️‍⚧️ The Trevor ProjectCrisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth under 25. Offers 24/7 chat, phone, and text support.📞 866-488-7386🔗 https://www.thetrevorproject.org

🏳️‍⚧️ Transgender Law CenterThe largest national trans-led organization advocating for self-determination and legal rights.🔗 https://transgenderlawcenter.org

🏳️‍⚧️ GLMA – Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ EqualityA directory of LGBTQ-friendly healthcare providers.🔗 https://glma.org

🏳️‍⚧️ Point of PrideOffers free chest binders, femme shapewear, electrolysis funding, and surgery grants to trans people in need.🔗 https://www.pointofpride.org

🏳️‍⚧️ The Marsha P. Johnson InstituteProtects and defends the human rights of Black transgender people through organizing, advocacy, and community building.🔗 https://marshap.org

🏳️‍⚧️ For the GworlsRaises money to help Black trans people pay for rent, gender-affirming surgeries, and travel.🔗 https://linktr.ee/forthegworls