by Elise
The U.S. Department of Justice, which before Trump maintained a stance of independence from the Presidency, has stopped federal protections for LGBTQ+ people, especially Trans and Intersex prisoners, per a memo leaked to the press. The new policy comes from Trump’s pronouncement early in his second term that there are only two genders, male and female. What about the reality of Intersex persons recognized by the medical community? The new regulations might even put imprisoned youth in danger of sexual harassment, assault and rape. Trump claims the right to set the law unilaterally, even when conflicting with those Congress has already enacted which have not been repealed, for example the Prison Rape Elimination Act unanimously passed in 2003. No wonder prison officials are confused about what rules to follow.
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International Transgender Day of Remembrance 2025 (TDOR), was commemorated worldwide with flag raisings, press conferences, speeches by Two-Spirit Indigenous people and other activities, plus many Trans- and genderqueer-supporting organizations remembering and naming the more than 365 Trans and genderqueer people murdered since TDOR 2024. Trans women of color remain the most vulnerable to sexual violence and murder, with most perpetrators getting away with their crimes as governments and police turn their eyes away. The assaults reported are much less than the actual number because victims feel they must stay hidden for safety reasons, including from their own families. Fear of violence, abandonment and shunning from families and society is founded in reality. Many Trans and nonbinary organizations posted their support online only, being in countries that are hostile to Trans and gender nonconforming people. Among groups honoring murdered Trans people were the European Union’s DIGIN Project; Chicago’s Center on Cottage Grove; Washington State’s Bellevue College’s Queer and Trans Resource Center; Nova Scotia, Canada’s Mount St. Vincent University; TransgenderEurope and Central Asia; Asia Pacific Transgender Network and Africa’s Gender Dynamix.
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Late October saw two protests in Istanbul, Turkey, by LGBTQ+ people and their supporters against the proposed 11th Judicial Package, which was leaked to the press. The Package was drafted by HÜDA PAR, a reactionary Islamist party which is part of the equally reactionary People’s Alliance. Gender-affirming surgery of persons under 25 is illegal and people 25 or older seeking such surgery must meet outrageous criteria to gain approval. Up to three years in prison may await those who are merely suspected of promoting or supporting same-sex relations, while up to four years in prison can await those merely suspected of being in a same-sex relationship or marriage (symbolic marriage as Turkey has never legalized same-sex marriage). Healthcare workers who provide gender-affirming medical care to anyone not officially approved for receiving such care could face fines and three years in prison. News media outlets reporting any news about LGBTQ+ or genderqueer people or issues can be criminally charged. KAOS GL, DEM Party and many other Turkish LGBTQ+ rights groups join Middle East Eye, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association Europe in emphatically voicing their objections to the so-called “family-protecting” 11th Judicial Package.
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Many Russian LGBTQ+ people have been moving to Argentina, where they are safe—not even needing a visa to enter and stay. President Vladimir Putin continues to make Russia more and more hostile to LGBTQ+ people, especially after two years ago their Supreme Court designated the international LGBTQ+ movement an extremist organization. Since then, public queerphobia has increased, and all public discourse about the LGBTQ+ community and its issues as organizing and participating in pro-LGBTQ+ activities can lead to imprisonment. Queer immigrants from Russia are finding relief in Argentina, though some share that they’re so used to hiding in Russia that it’s an adjustment to become open. Freedoms Russian immigrants are finding include attending and participating in Pride celebrations and parades, having openly Gay barbers do their grooming, and being openly LGBTQ+ in medical settings.