Today, I am not worried about myself. I am worried about the groups of people that millions of Americans completely dismissed while casting their vote for president-elect Donald Trump. His harsh rhetoric and frightening potential policies surrounding transgender individuals and immigrants were at the forefront of his campaign.
The Associated Press reported on Trump’s degrading rhetoric surrounding transgender Americans. At his Madison Square Garden rally, he said, “We will get ... transgender insanity the hell out of our schools, and we will keep men out of women’s sports.” He also touts the baseless claim that “your kid goes to school and comes home a few days later with an operation,” referring to gender-affirming care.
His dangerous talking points are working to create an America where transgender individuals are criticized for being athletes, children and educators. In an already politically divided world, high-power individuals should not be contributing to further social divides. It is shameful and saddening – and those who voted for Trump are only working to promote this rhetoric.
GLAAD Media Institute outlined Trump’s policy agenda that will affect transgender individuals. It listed policies such as banning gender-affirming care for minors, halting education programs about sex and gender transitioning and recognizing only two genders, among several other plans.
Trump currently has a favorable position in the Senate and the battle for control of the House continues, but even without the support of Congress, he can get started as soon as he reaches the White House. Even further, this can redefine what “sex” refers to and how schools can approach the subject – placing a great burden on schools’ efforts to be an inclusive and safe space.
Although it seemed as if anti-trans advertisements and policy work flooded Trump’s campaign, anti-immigrant rhetoric was unfortunately not spared. Politico watched 20 of Trump’s rallies, reporting that his hate speech was only getting worse. The report noted that he called immigrants “animals,” “stone-cold killers,” the “worst people" and the “enemy from within” during the span of the rallies.
Similar to his claims about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, this rhetoric is not only just untrue, but hurtful. Springfield benefits from Haitian immigrants filling essential jobs, but a powerful man can instill fear in Americans. His name-calling and theatrical tactics only promote racism and unnecessary division.
Trump’s policy agenda surrounding immigration is just as divisive as his speech. His campaign work was rooted in mass deportations, raiding workplaces, ending birthright citizenship and expanding the border wall, according to Time Magazine. Trump was able to begin the groundwork for several of these policies during his first term, and unfortunately with control of Congress, can continue.
These policies have the potential to destroy communities and families as immigrants live in fear of deportation and hate crimes due to Trump’s policies and speech. Such a drastic shift in policy also leaves room for unknown, harmful effects on the country.
This election marked a time when millions of Americans voted to leave behind the transgender individuals and immigrants around them. As a woman and a journalist, I can’t say I’m not worried about myself – but not today. Today, I am worried about groups more vulnerable and targeted than myself.
Layne Rey is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Layne know by tweeting her @laynerey12.
