Trans Under Attack – Blueprint to Fight Back

Trans Under Attack – Blueprint to Fight Back is a guide for the transgender community and our allies to fight back against persecution. Across the U.S. and throughout the world, transgender people are facing an assault on our rights and our ability to live authentically. As a transgender person, I have been watching the wave against equality and began making notes about how to effectively fight back against the oppression. I am writing this not as a cry for sympathy, but as a blueprint for action. We are not powerless. We are resilient and brave. We have wonderful allies standing to fight with us.

This article lays out an action-focused plan for fighting back against the surge of anti-trans legislation we are witnessing under the Trump administration. While the author is U.S. based, these steps will work in most countries. Please be mindful of local laws and your safety when engaging in resistance. We must win this fight for equality, but your safety must also be a priority.

Note: This article is subject to revision as members weigh in with additional ideas. Please let us know if you have ideas or resources we should include in this article. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive action plan for this fight against oppression.

This is Our Call to Action

This is one of those defining moments we read about in history—when courageous people rise up to confront tyranny and oppression. Now it’s our turn. This is our call to action. What we do today will shape the future for generations to come. Keep reading to learn how you can be part of history in the making.

Blueprint to Fight Back Against Oppression

Stay informed
Speak up
Be politically active
Support advocates
Engage in peaceful protests
Strategically disconnect
Stay loud. Stay strong!

Stay Informed, Stay Ready

In a situation such as we find ourselves in now, knowledge is power. The first step in any resistance movement is being informed and understanding what we’re up against. With hundreds of anti-trans bills introduced across state legislatures, we must stay informed. These bills include access to essential healthcare services, transgender participation in sports, bathroom use, driver’s license and identification issuances, gender changes on birth certificate and passports, etc. To stay informed, bookmark and check in regularly at resources including:

Stay informed, know the current threats, and remain ready to respond to these challenges. It can be difficult to keep up due to the sheer number of news stories. Check into these information sources regularly, but be sure to take time for yourself to disconnect and recharge.

Project 2025 | Trans Under Attack

What is driving the attacks on the transgender community? In a word, white nationalism. Let’s just call it what it is. They are barely even trying to hide it. The attack on the transgender community, and these other marginalized groups, is being fueled by white nationalism which has infiltrated American politics. There is a powerful alliance between far-right extremists and fundamentalist Christian organizations. These organizations are heavily funded and politically entrenched. They are advancing a coordinated agenda for white Christian supremacy in America, as outlined in Project 2025, a strategic plan developed by The Heritage Foundation and other right-wing think tanks.

The right wing’s Project 2025 blueprint calls for dismantling civil rights protections, eroding LGBTQ+ freedoms, imposing a narrow religious doctrine, and concentrating power in the hands of those who fit their exclusionary ideal. Immigrants and the trans community are among their first targets, but their vision threatens everyone who doesn’t conform to their version of America. This is all being dutifully carried out by the current Trump administration.

News Media Coverage of the Attack on the Trans Community

National news media is a good source of information as well. In a time of political spin and misinformation, getting accurate news is essential to making informed decisions. Stick with reputable, nonpartisan sources such as NPR, PBS News, The Associated Press, and Reuters, which are known for fact-based reporting. Be cautious of opinion-heavy cable shows that may blur the line between news and commentary. When in doubt, cross-check stories across multiple outlets and look for primary sources or direct quotes.

LGBTQ+ News Sources

The Advocate – One of the oldest and most respected LGBTQ+ publications in the U.S., The Advocate offers news, politics, opinion, and culture from a queer perspective.
Them – A modern LGBTQ+ platform backed by Condé Nast, Them provides in-depth features, commentary, and breaking news on queer culture, rights, and identity.
PinkNews – UK-based but internationally focused, PinkNews delivers timely reporting on global LGBTQ+ rights, politics, and culture.
LGBTQ Nation – A leading digital news magazine that focuses on U.S. and world news with special emphasis on legislative developments, trans rights, and queer life.
GLAAD News & Rapid Response – While GLAAD is an advocacy group, their Media Center provides verified, up-to-date coverage of LGBTQ+ issues and how they’re portrayed in mainstream media.

Subscribing to trustworthy newsletters or setting news alerts from reliable outlets can also help you stay informed without being overwhelmed.

Speak Up, Speak Out

One way to fight back is by engaging in conversations with family, friends, coworkers, and community members. This helps humanize our stories and break down the walls related to misunderstanding and fear. Even one conversation can change someone’s perspective forever. Be courageous. Your story matters.

Share your personal story and experiences to the extent you are comfortable doing so.
Share articles, statistics, and personal stories.
Host or attend educational meetups and local panels.
Correct misinformation when you see it—online and offline.
Call out bigotry whenever you see it.

Social Media as a Tool for Change

Social media isn’t just for selfies and memes, although we enjoy those too! Social media has become a battleground for truth and a space to inspire mass action at the grassroots level. Use your social media platforms to:

Share legislative updates and petitions.
Highlight voices from the trans community and our allies.
Join and share discussions about trans rights. It helps!
Let’s flood social media with trans stories of pride, resistance, and truth.

Contact Elected Leaders: Hold Them Accountable

We should thank and support the elected leaders who are standing up for us, and hold accountable those who are not. One of the most impactful things you can do is to contact your state and federal legislators:

Commend those voting for trans-inclusive policies.
Condemn those supporting anti-trans bills. Remind them that elections are coming, and the world is watching.

How to Contact Elected Leaders

Finding contact information for your elected leaders can be confusing. We recommend you use tools like:

Other elected leaders can be found through search engines. Collect your thoughts and have a coherent message ready to communicate. Even brief, polite calls and emails can make a difference. Legislators pay attention when constituents speak. There is a formula used by legislators where they calculate that each call represents “X” number of their constituents.

Register. Vote. Mobilize.

Voting is not only a right, you might consider it a responsibility. This is particularly true given our current political climate and the war against the trans community. Anti-trans legislators have been elected by razor-thin margins. The war against the trans community is not a major concern for most Americans, according to recent polls. Keep making your voice heard. We can all contribute to make a difference.

Make sure you’re registered to vote.
Know the dates of upcoming elections.
Know your polling location or ballot submission method.
Encourage like-minded friends to register and vote.
Take the time to educate yourself about the position statements of candidates.
Don’t wait for the next presidential election. Local and state elections are just as critical.

Need to register to vote? Check your status or register here: vote.org

Support Advocacy Organizations

Change comes at a cost in both manpower hours and labor/material costs. We can help. Even small donations add up when multiplied by a movement. Even if you can’t volunteer or donate, you can share these organizations’ messages on your online platforms. Please consider volunteering, donating and supporting:

Lambda Legal – Legal defense of LGBTQ+ and HIV+ people. (See Lambda Legal Litigation Library for current cases)
ACLU – Challenging unconstitutional laws across the country. (See The ACLU Transgender Rights Page for more information on current cases)
Transgender Law Center – Policy advocacy and support for trans individuals. ( See TLC Legal Cases Archive for more information on case involvement)

Create and Contribute: Writing, Vlogging, and Beyond

If you’re a creator, use your art, writing, and voice to join the resistance movement. Creativity connects and transforms. Every little bit helps and you never know the impact you might have. It might be much greater than you ever imagined.

Start a blog, vlog, or podcast to share information about your journey or activism.
Write articles, essays, editorials or poems for websites, magazines, and social media.
Make entertaining, informative or impactful memes and digital art to share our message.

Content creation is resistance, and your voice matters!

Stand United With Other Marginalized Communities

Anti-trans bigotry is part of a broader movement of hate. Take a firm stand against transphobia, homophobia, xenophobia, or any form of discrimination or bigotry. We must stand in solidarity with:

Immigrants (even those lawfully in the country) who are facing family separation and dehumanization.
People of color, who have a long history of being subjected to systemic racism.
Autistic and neurodivergent people who have somehow fell under unwanted scrutiny of the U.S. government.
Disabled people who are fighting for dignity and access.
Veterans who risked their lives in service to our country, but now find eroding support services.
Women who face misogynistic and reproductive rights attacks.
People of faith who deviate from the fundamentalist Christian church being represented by MAGA.

Do not let them divide and conquer us. We must join others who are under attack. When we link arms with others, we form an unbreakable chain.

Peaceful Protests and Rallies

One powerful way we can stand in solidarity with other marginalized communities is by participating in peaceful rallies and protests. These public demonstrations are a visible reminder that we are not alone—and that injustice anywhere must be challenged everywhere. It is essential that our participation remains peaceful, respectful, and lawful, as that strengthens our message and protects the integrity of our cause. If attending, plan ahead: bring water, wear comfortable clothes, use sunscreen, keep your phone charged, know your rights, and go with trusted friends if possible. Stay aware of your surroundings and follow guidance from event organizers. Peaceful protest has a long-standing impact—it draws media attention, influences public discourse, and puts real pressure on lawmakers to act. Our presence in these spaces sends a message that we will not be erased, and we will not be silent.

50 Protests | 50 States | 1 Movement

One powerful force in the resistance is the 50501 Movement. The trans community joins other marginalized groups and all who are fighting for democracy in various protests in key cities all across the U.S. Visit their site for more information and a listing of rallies and protests.

Fighting Oligarchy Tour

Senator Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have launched the Fighting Oligarchy Tour, a nationwide campaign challenging the influence of billionaires and corporations in American politics. The Fighting Oligarchy Tour has drawn massive crowds, including over 34,000 attendees in Denver and 36,000 in Los Angeles, surpassing previous Democratic events in size and enthusiasm. These rallies focus on issues such as economic inequality, corporate lobbying, and threats to democratic institutions. They advocate for policies like universal healthcare and wealth taxation. By targeting both urban centers and traditionally conservative areas, the tour galvanizes grassroots support and pressures lawmakers to prioritize the needs of working-class, regular people.

Welcome Our Allies

Allies are not just supporters—they are force multipliers. They bring resources, access, and amplification. Invite them in.

Offer them resources to learn (like TGGuide.com).
Thank them publicly for their support.
Encourage them to speak up in their own communities.

We need allies at our side and in positions of influence. Together, we are stronger.

Strategically Disconnect

Take time to disconnect and recharge. Remember that fighting for justice is a long game. The onslaught of anti-trans legislation and hateful rhetoric can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re constantly scrolling the news or social media. That’s why it’s not just okay, it’s a strategic necessity, to disconnect and recharge. Take a break from the noise. Put on your favorite music, lose yourself in a good book, go for a walk or a hike, hit the gym, or spend time with people who uplift you. Rest is not retreat. It’s how we sustain ourselves for the battles ahead. Prioritizing your mental and emotional health is one of the strongest things you can do for this movement.

Stay Loud. Stay Proud. Stay Strong!

This is not the time to sit on the sidelines hoping somebody else will take care of it. Our blueprint to fight back is clear. Our lives, our futures, and our dignity are worth fighting for. Truth is on our side and we will win. Not just by surviving but by thriving, boldly and together. Join the fight for trans equality. Stay loud. Stay proud. Stay strong!