Finding Hope as a Nonbinary Queer Parent

I’m a nonbinary queer parent raising three children, one of whom is transgender. My partner and I navigate a long-distance relationship; I reside in a more liberal part of the Northeast, while she lives in a conservative area of the South. Due to the structure of our nation, states have the power to establish their own laws, resulting in varying levels of protection for LGBTQIA+ individuals concerning housing, employment, healthcare, and marriage.

While some states offer safer environments for LGBTQIA+ folks, federal protections are essential to counteract state-level discrimination, ensuring that everyone has access to basic human rights. The previous administration attempted to strip away many of these protections, but now, with President Joe Biden, there is a renewed sense of hope for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Impact of the Previous Administration

During his presidency, Donald Trump made numerous anti-LGBTQIA+ statements and took actions that endangered our rights. He recorded 180 incidents of bigotry, dismantled anti-discrimination protections in healthcare, allowed foster agencies to reject queer couples, and banned transgender individuals from serving in the military. His actions fostered a hostile environment for LGBTQIA+ Americans, making the country feel unsafe. The last-minute decisions made by his administration, such as those by Betsy DeVos, further jeopardized the wellbeing of queer students.

The Need for Federal Protections

Currently, there is no federal law that explicitly protects individuals based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Biden has pledged to enact the Equality Act within his first 100 days in office, which would offer clear protections across various aspects of life, including education, employment, and public services. As noted by the Human Rights Campaign, nearly two-thirds of queer individuals have experienced discrimination, highlighting the urgent need for dedicated protections.

Biden’s Commitment to Diversity

Biden’s commitment to diversity is evident in his administration, which includes two women of color and several LGBTQIA+ leaders in key roles. His appointments signify a dedication to addressing the concerns of the queer community. Biden’s collaborative relationship with LGBTQIA+ activists, such as Delaware State Senator Alex Carter, reinforces his obligation to protect transgender rights, particularly for marginalized groups.

Reversing Damaging Policies

In addition to introducing new protections, Biden aims to reverse the damaging policies implemented by Trump, including those that limited blood donation eligibility based on sexual orientation. By promoting the LGBTQ Data Inclusion Act, he seeks to better understand and meet the needs of subgroups within the queer community. His initiatives also include efforts to end conversion therapy, restore funding to reproductive health organizations, and incorporate inclusivity training across various sectors.

A Glimmer of Hope

As I reflect on Biden’s presidency, I feel a glimmer of hope—especially when he acknowledged transgender voters in his acceptance speech. For the first time, I felt acknowledged by someone in a position of power. I can envision a future where my transgender daughter has access to necessary medical care, including hormone therapy, with support from our health insurance. This gives me hope for a brighter future for all queer individuals.

Although I understand that not all of Biden’s goals may come to fruition, his focus on the many challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community, including violence and mental health, indicates that he is listening and learning. Instead of bracing for the next wave of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, I look forward to a government that prioritizes opportunities. Biden is rewriting the narrative for my family and community, and I sincerely hope it leads to a lasting change.

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Summary

As a nonbinary queer parent to a transgender child, I find hope in President Biden’s commitment to LGBTQIA+ rights after the previous administration’s detrimental policies. Biden’s plan to enact the Equality Act, address discrimination, and appoint diverse leaders signals a potential shift towards a more inclusive future. His acknowledgment of the transgender community gives me optimism that my daughter will receive the medical care she needs, and I anticipate a government focused on creating opportunities rather than perpetuating discrimination.