We answered some of the most common questions we’ve seen pop up since the election results around preparing for this next presidency, lessons from his last presidency and how it will apply to his next, and what you can do to support Trans people right now. 

 

Q: Should I update my identity documents (name and/or gender marker)?

A: Yes, now is a good time to update your identity documents with name and/or gender marker changes while laws are supportive. Think: birth certificates, licenses, social security records, passport, and so on.

 

Q: Should I get (or renew) my passport?

A: Yes, this is a good time to do so. Renewals can be done online or by mail.

 

Q: Should I make a go-bag?

A: Yes, we believe it is always good to have a go-bag no matter who is in office. A list of things to include can be found at Ready.gov/Kit. We also recommend adding any HRT supplies and copies of identity documents.

 

Q: Should I learn self-defense and/or de-escalation?

A: Yes, skills like self-defense and de-escalation are always important to have, regardless of who is in office—particularly for our community.

 

Q: Should I stockpile my HRT?

A: Yes, to the amount that is restricted by law, your insurance will pay for, or you can afford. While we believe it will be very difficult to ban gender-affirming hormones quickly, it is possible that the FDA or other federal authorities could attempt to limit access. Although these efforts would be robustly challenged in court by advocates, it’s never a bad idea to have additional medication you need.

 

Q: Should I stockpile food?

A: No, we don’t believe this is currently necessary.

 

Q: Should I prepare for civil war?

A: No. It is important to note that the National Guard is controlled by governors—not the president— and, per the law, the military cannot be used for domestic legal purposes (see the Posse Comitatus Act) even if the president wanted to do so.

There may be civil unrest, however, and we recommend being strategic and thoughtful around the risks associated with protesting, given what the incoming president has said.

 

Q: Should I get a gun?

A: We believe this is a highly individual decision. We recommend balancing where your mental health is at and how safe you feel. Death by suicide is one of the largest causes of gun death, and owning a gun increases your likelihood of this. Trans people are also more likely to be victims of gun violence.

Regardless of your decision, we recommend learning about gun ownership laws in your state and getting training on how to safely own and use a gun.

 

Q: Should I get my updated vaccines now, while I still can? How will I keep myself healthy if vaccines are banned?

A: Yes, now is a good time to get updated on vaccines, including the updated COVID vaccine. However, we believe vaccines would be very difficult to ban quickly, if at all.

 

Q: How can I safely communicate with my friends & family?

A: Although no electronic communication method is perfectly secure, we recommend using Signal and Proton Mail, as they are more secure than mainstream platforms.

 

Q: What did we learn from 2016, and how does it apply to now?

A: Many of the things the Trump campaign has said are terrifying, and we are deeply concerned; however, what his first presidency taught us is that our system of government moves slowly, it does still have checks and balances, and there are still ways we can resist and put up roadblocks. For example, when Trump “tweeted” the transgender military ban—a fiat dictating to the military to reverse years of work to include Trans people in the military—within 1 week, advocates filed 4 lawsuits in 4 jurisdictions, resulting in 4 nationwide injunctions to prevent any action from happening. Gender Justice League was a plaintiff in one of these cases. Federal lawsuits take years to get through courts, and injunctions issued by a single supportive judge in a single district can prevent nationwide implementation. This has often stimied Trump and presidents Obama and Biden as well (think: student loan forgiveness).

While many of us are living with very real fears of a worst-case scenario, this election did not replace the entirety of the many federal judges, federal employees, and state governments that are supportive, nor did it fundamentally alter the rules of how laws and policies are implemented.

Q: What can I do to help? 

A: There are a lot of needs in our community right now, and we expect the need to only grow exponentially as more Trans people and families relocate from red states into WA, especially into the Seattle area. Some things you can do to help:

• If you have extra space, consider opening it up for a Trans person or family to live in, even if only for a week or a month. In an area already lacking affordable housing, options for Trans refugees and their families are scarce
• Donate to funds that support the relocation of Trans people and families (like GJL’s Community Security Program)
• Offer informal, direct support to the Trans people in your life (and if you don’t have any Trans people in your life, ask yourself why that is)
• Join and support mutual aid groups and smaller by-and-for Trans organizations—financially or by volunteering your time and unique skills. (One option: RSVP for our upcoming virtual Volunteer Power Hour)