As Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community reflects on the challenges ahead, transgender Coloradans are bracing for what could be a second term under President-elect Donald Trump.
LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and healthcare providers are focusing on strengthening support systems to ensure the safety and well-being of transgender individuals amid fears of renewed political hostility.
Mardi Moore, executive director of Rocky Mountain Equality, shared that the group had been preparing well ahead of the election, trying to predict the potential impacts if Trump won.
While the group remains determined, Moore acknowledges the emotional toll that such a victory has had on the community, with many seeking comfort in the face of looming uncertainty.
During his first term, Trump promised to roll back transgender rights, focusing on restricting transgender individuals’ participation in sports, military service, and gender-affirming healthcare. Gender-affirming care, which can range from hormone therapy to surgeries, has been supported by medical organizations like the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
However, Trump has been vocal in his intent to limit such care, particularly for transgender youth, which has caused widespread concern among advocates.
Jack Teter, regional director for Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, emphasized that the community should take these threats seriously. He noted the possibility of federal actions cutting funding to healthcare providers offering gender-affirming care, further exacerbating fears.
This hostile rhetoric is not just limited to the election promises but has been mirrored by actions such as Colorado’s own GOP committee’s attacks on LGBTQ+ rights during Pride Month.
Ads targeting transgender rights flooded the media during the campaign, and even after the election, anti-transgender moves have continued, such as attempts to ban transgender lawmakers from using specific bathrooms.
Dr. Liz Kvach, medical director of Denver Health’s LGBTQ+ Health Services, revealed that many patients are anxious about continuing their care.
Many transgender individuals, especially youth, are terrified of being cut off from life-saving treatments such as hormone therapy, fearing that national policies may make it difficult for them to receive necessary care.
The community’s anxiety is so widespread that organizations like The Trevor Project have reported a massive increase in calls from youth experiencing distress.
With transgender youth already experiencing a tough environment, healthcare professionals fear that any policy changes could worsen mental health outcomes, possibly leading to a rise in suicide rates among transgender youth.
Rex Fuller, CEO of The Center on Colfax, noted that the demand for services has increased significantly, with more and more individuals seeking help to relocate to Colorado to escape hostile states.
Fuller emphasized that while the state is already seeing growth in its transgender support community, the influx of people from other states could strain resources further.
As states like Texas and Florida enact policies restricting transgender rights, Colorado has emerged as a safe haven for many. The Trans-Continental Pipeline, a nonprofit that helps transgender individuals relocate, has received an overwhelming number of requests for assistance.
Keira Richards, executive director of the group, mentioned that despite the nonprofit’s limited resources, they are doing their best to guide people to Colorado.
Colorado’s shield law, passed in 2023, helps protect individuals seeking gender-affirming care from out-of-state investigations, ensuring that healthcare providers and patients are shielded from legal repercussions.
This law, alongside the state’s insurance policies mandating coverage for gender-affirming care, has positioned Colorado as a sanctuary state for transgender individuals.
Despite the growing number of out-of-state patients seeking care in Colorado, Dr. Kvach is optimistic. Denver Health’s expansion plans aim to accommodate the growing demand for services, especially for transgender youth. Teter also expressed confidence that Colorado’s healthcare infrastructure would adapt to meet the rising needs of the transgender community.
While a second Trump administration looms large with the threat of further restrictions, Colorado’s legislative protections, strong healthcare providers, and growing support networks for transgender individuals are helping to create a hopeful future for many.
Advocacy groups like Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains and local LGBTQ+ organizations remain steadfast, preparing for the challenges ahead.
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