It appears that the infamous “bathroom bill” that cost North Carolina millions in business and tourist dollars is about to be repeated in the Congress. The incoming administration already has announced that transgender and gender fluid people will have a target on their back.

The culture wars seem to have a particular obsession with the MAGA folks. The Republicans included gender issues as part of their 2024 campaign strategy. Considering that only about 1.4% of Americans identify as transgender, the controversy seems way out of proportion. The public seems to support protection against hate crimes and discrimination in employment, but they are concerned about athletics, bathrooms, and women’s prisons. The real hot button issue seems to be surgery and/or hormone treatment for children under the age of 18. Unfortunately, those who wait until later have a more difficult process of transitioning after they already have established a gender identity.

The contrast is whether people consider this a moral or a medical issue. It also seems to be conflated with their own gender identity. What does it mean to be a “real” man or a “real” woman? Although everyone has a mixture of male and female genes, the sticking point is how people present themselves, either as masculine or feminine. Opinions are heavily influenced by gender, social class, education, and economic status. It’s not such a big deal to young people as it is to older people (over 30).

How much will this issue carry over into LGBTQ+ rights? The incoming administration has made it clear that they not only will eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as a priority, they will openly discriminate against the community at all levels. That is a particular concern considering the employment of LGBTQ+ in the government or the military. Private industry and organizations already have eliminated DEI staff.

The anxiety of the LGBTQ+ community about trends in 2025 is not paranoia; it is a realistic assessment of the threats they will face. Just how far the incoming administration will push ahead of public opinion remains to be seen. Will the progress of the past 50 years be reversed? Will we go back to the era of the “pinkies” and the “commies?”

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