The Fear of Losing Hard-Won Rights: Navigating Uncertainty with Strengths-Based Resilience

Understanding the Fear

The LGBTQ+ community has fought tirelessly for legal protections and rights, but political shifts threaten to undo decades of progress. The Trump Administration has attempted to roll back crucial protections across multiple areas of life, reinforcing discrimination and marginalization.

• Healthcare Discrimination: The administration has worked to reverse provisions in the Affordable Care Act that protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in healthcare settings. Proposed rule changes would allow healthcare providers and insurers to deny care based on religious beliefs, potentially restricting access to gender-affirming care and other necessary medical services.

• Employment Protections: While LGBTQ+ workers gained federal workplace protections under the 2020 Supreme Court ruling Bostock v. Clayton County, the Trump administration has supported policies that provide broad religious exemptions to employers, effectively allowing businesses to fire or refuse to hire LGBTQ+ individuals under the guise of religious freedom.

• Education Policies: The administration has pushed for policies that would ban discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation in schools, restrict trans students from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity, and eliminate funding for diversity and inclusion initiatives in education.

• Military and Government Service: The Trump administration previously reinstated the ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, and current allies in Congress are seeking to reintroduce similar restrictions. Additionally, efforts to limit protections for LGBTQ+ federal employees are gaining traction under the guise of reducing "woke" policies.

• Adoption and Family Rights: Policies have been introduced to expand religious exemptions for adoption agencies, allowing them to refuse placement with LGBTQ+ couples. This makes it harder for same-sex couples to adopt and increases barriers for LGBTQ+ youth in the foster care system.

• Public Accommodations & Business Discrimination: Trump-aligned lawmakers continue to push for laws that allow businesses to refuse service to LGBTQ+ individuals under religious freedom claims. These efforts directly undermine anti-discrimination protections in public spaces, including housing, restaurants, and other essential services.

These policy shifts create an environment where discrimination is emboldened, leaving many LGBTQ+ individuals feeling vulnerable and uncertain about their future. The erosion of these protections threatens personal safety, financial security, and access to fundamental rights.

Proactive Actions to Take

• Stay Informed: Follow trusted advocacy groups like the Human Rights Campaign and Lambda Legal. Stay updated on legislative changes and legal protections.

• Get Involved: Support LGBTQ+ organizations, participate in elections, and contact representatives. Advocacy helps shape policies that protect the community.

• Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with state and federal protections. If needed, seek legal support through LGBTQ+ legal networks.

CliftonStrengths® in Action

If you have one or more of these Strengths in your top 5, reflect on how they naturally show up in your daily life and find new ways to apply them with intention.

• Strategic thinkers can anticipate policy shifts and develop proactive responses.

• Activator strengths help turn knowledge into action through advocacy.

• Relator strengths build strong support networks for resilience.

Whether it’s using your talents to support others, advocate for change, or build confidence in yourself. Strengths are most powerful when actively developed and aligned with meaningful action.

Together, We Got This!

Protecting hard-won rights requires vigilance, advocacy, and resilience. By staying informed, taking action, and leveraging your strengths, you can play a crucial role in safeguarding LGBTQ+ protections. Your voice and efforts matter in shaping a future that upholds equality and justice.

By identifying these fears, taking proactive steps, and leveraging CliftonStrengths®, LGBTQ+ individuals can navigate challenges with confidence. Let’s continue this conversation together.