Four more years, renewed fears

By Carly Davin Nation
Special to the MONTROSE STAR ––

As of this writing we are three months into Trump’s second term. Every day I wake up to news of yet another heinous action the president has taken, or another Executive Order he has signed in his attempt to take our country backwards. Donald Trump and his administration’s continued targeting of transgender individuals leaves me deeply unsettled about what the next four years might hold.

“Deeply unsettled” doesn’t quite cover it. “Scared sh*tless” might be more accurate.

Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed a barrage of legislation aimed squarely at the transgender community. From attempts to ban trans athletes from sports to rolling back healthcare protections. Now the Trump Administration is using every tool at its disposal to strip away our rights. These actions aren’t just political; they’re personal. They communicate to the world that our identities are up for debate, our dignity negotiable, and our lives dispensable.
One of the most terrifying aspects of this political climate is the normalization of hate. Anti-trans rhetoric, once relegated to the fringes, now finds its way into mainstream conversations. Leaders in power have emboldened individuals who view us as less than human, fueling a rise in discrimination and violence. According to the Human Rights Campaign’s most recent statistics, 2023 was one of the deadliest years on record for transgender and gender-nonconforming people, with trans women of color disproportionately affected. Knowing that the next four years could perpetuate or worsen this trend is heart-wrenching. I never thought I would feel the need to make a plea to my country’s leaders to stop making me (and all other marginalized people) easy to kill!

Another fear that looms large is the erosion of healthcare access. Under the previous Trump administration, there were efforts to dismantle non-discrimination protections for transgender people in healthcare settings. As someone who relies on gender-affirming care, I know how vital these protections are. Without them, trans individuals may face outright denial of care or be subjected to humiliating and dangerous conditions. And it’s not just about hormones or surgeries; it’s about being treated with the same humanity as anyone else when seeking medical care.

Beyond policies, the cultural impact of anti-trans legislation is equally damaging. When the government dehumanizes a group of people, it gives license for others to do the same. Public spaces, which should be safe and inclusive, instead turn into arenas of fear and vulnerability. It’s exhausting to constantly navigate a world that feels increasingly unsafe.
One thing the past few years have taught me is the power of visibility and storytelling. When trans voices are amplified, they challenge the narratives that seek to marginalize us. Films, books and media created by trans people not only educate but also inspire.

They remind the world that we are people with dreams, talents and love to give. This belief fuels my own work in filmmaking and storytelling, as I strive to create content that humanizes our experiences and sparks empathy. If I may shamelessly plug my own digital drama series, Transfolk, is currently streaming its first-season run on YouTube and soon to be streaming on other major platforms later this year.

To allies reading this, your support is more critical than ever. Being an ally means more than posting on social media. It means voting for candidates who respect trans rights, standing up to bigotry when you see it and creating safe spaces for trans people in your communities. Allies have the power to shift conversations, challenge injustices and make the world a safer place for everyone.

Looking ahead, my greatest hope is that love and understanding will prevail over hate and ignorance. History has shown that progress is rarely linear, but it’s always worth fighting for. The Trump administration may try to legislate us out of existence, but they can’t erase our humanity or our determination to live authentically.

I didn’t think that, as a country, we would be here again, but I’ll continue to find strength in my community, my creativity and my belief in a better future. The next four years may be daunting, but we’ve weathered the storms before and we’ll weather this one, too, together.

Carly Davin Nation is a transgender writer, filmmaker and actress, originally from Galveston. She performed as a drag artist for twenty years in Galveston and Houston and can currently be seen in the digital drama series Transfolk on YouTube. She is also working on producing more trans-related content including a podcast and a feature film.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Johnny Trlica, whose column usually appears in this space will return next month. He said: “I asked Carly to take over this space and share her thoughts and fears about what lies ahead. Our trans sisters and brothers are under attack, and we must stand united with them.”

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