As of March 12, 2025
We’re Still Here. We’re Still Caring for our Community.
Right now, LGBTQIA+ people—especially trans people—are facing unprecedented attacks on our rights, healthcare, and legal protections. Executive orders, state-level laws, and targeted harassment are creating new barriers to living openly and safely.
This resource guide is here to help you stay informed, protect yourself, and take action.
📌 For a deeper dive into specific issues, policies, and legal challenges, visit the FOLX Community Platform (included in FOLX membership), where we have a series of comprehensive guides plus news updates every week.
1. What’s Happening Right Now?
🛑 Targeted Attacks on Trans Healthcare
- New executive orders and state laws are restricting access to gender-affirming care, particularly for youth—and, in some cases, adults.
- Some healthcare providers and clinics are preemptively cutting services out of fear of legal consequences.
- If you need gender-affirming care, don’t wait—make sure you have a plan for continuity.
📄 More Info: FOLX Guide to Gender-Affirming Care in 2025 in the FOLX Community Platform.
⚠️ Legal Documentation & Identity Erasure
- Some states are banning changes to gender markers on IDs and birth certificates.
- Federal policies may now require passports and other documents to match sex assigned at birth.
- If you need to update your legal documents, check with organizations like Lambda Legal and GLAD for guidance.
📄 More Info: A4TE’s Know Your Rights and Immigration Equality’s Guide to Passports and Documents
🚨 Expanded Censorship & Discrimination
- Laws restricting discussion of LGBTQ+ identities in schools, libraries, and workplaces are increasing.
- Social media platforms are becoming more hostile, with weakened protections against harassment and hate speech.
- If you’re looking for social media by and for LGBTQIA+ people, check out the FOLX Community Platform and Famm Connect.
📄 More Info: LGBTQ+ Equality Map (MAP)
✈️ Increased Risks for Travel & Public Safety
- Passport changes forced by the recent executive order can decrease safety for trans people.
- Some organizations are providing state-specific travel warnings for LGBTQ+ people due to new laws.
- Harassment and violence against LGBTQ+ people—especially trans women of color—are increasing.
- Trans people coming to the United States may face issues with their visas due to new orders.
📄 More Info: Erin in the Morning: Travel Risk Map
2. How to Stay Up to Date
📢 Follow Trusted Sources
- Erin in the Morning (Substack, Twitter, TikTok) for real-time policy tracking.
- ACLU’s LGBTQ+ Rights Tracker for legal updates.
- Lambda Legal and GLAD for legal resources on ID changes, insurance, and discrimination cases.
- Movement Advancement Project (MAP) for state-level policy maps.
📨 Sign Up for Alerts & Newsletters
- FOLX Health Newsletter for healthcare and policy updates.
- Transgender Law Center Updates for legal battles and victories.
- Local LGBTQ+ Organizations for regional advocacy alerts.
📱 Engage on Social Media
- Follow activists, journalists, and legal experts reporting on LGBTQ+ rights.
- Join private Facebook groups, Discord servers, or Reddit communities for peer support and rapid updates.
- Be cautious about misinformation—always verify news before sharing.
3. Where to Find Support
🏥 Healthcare & Mental Health
- FOLX Health provides telehealth gender-affirming care, mental health support, and primary care nationwide.
- Crisis Text Line offers 24/7 crisis support.
- Planned Parenthood (in many states) continues to provide gender-affirming care.
📄 More Info: FOLX Health Services | Planned Parenthood | Trevor Project Crisis Support
⚖️ Legal Help & ID Changes
- A4TE’s Trans Legal Survival Guide.
- Lambda Legal, GLAD, and the A4TE provide legal guidance.
- ACLU tracks legislative threats and provides legal resources for LGBTQ+ people fighting discrimination.
📄 More Info: ACLU LGBTQ+ Rights Tracker | GLAD ID Change Guide
🛑 Crisis Support & Safety Planning
- Trans Lifeline: Peer-run crisis support and microgrants for trans people in urgent situations.
- Crisis Text Line: Free, 24/7 support (text “FOLX” to 741741).
- PFLAG: Support for LGBTQ+ people and their families.
📄 More Info: Trans Lifeline | Crisis Text Line
4. How to Take Action
🗳️ Fight Back Against Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation
- Call your legislators and demand they oppose discriminatory policies. GovTrack and 5calls make it easy to find and contact your representatives.
- Support organizations fighting back in courts and at the state level.
📄 More Info: ACLU Legislative Tracker
💰 Support LGBTQ+ Organizations & Mutual Aid
- Donate to frontline organizations like Lambda Legal, FOLX Health and Point of Pride’s HRT Care Fund, and local mutual aid networks providing direct support.
- Look for emergency funds that help trans people cover legal fees, travel for care, and access essentials.
📄 More Info: Mutual Aid & Direct Support Resources
📢 Amplify LGBTQ+ Voices & Resist Erasure
- Stay informed through independent journalists like Erin in the Morning and organizations like Transgender Law Center.
- Report harassment on social media, and push platforms to reinstate strong protections against hate speech.
- Use your platform—big or small—to spread the truth, fight misinformation, and center trans voices.
📄 More Info: GLAAD’s LGBTQ+ News
Q and As: Your Questions Answered
What does the under-19 HRT ban affect? I just started HRT and I’m 18—am I going to lose access?
Right now there are no laws prohibiting or banning gender-affirming care for adults 18 and over (except in Nebraska and Alabama, where the age is 19+). We at FOLX remain open for adult care in all 50 states (19+ in Nebraska and Alabama, 18+ everywhere else).
Should I be stocking up on hormones, medications, or binders in case of state-level or national bans?
Binders and gender-affirming garments are so important, and they aren’t going anywhere. Read more on binder options in our binders and binding guide.
For hormones and medications, we recommend finding or staying in a relationship with a clinician you trust to ensure the best possible care and to ensure continuity of care. Making sure your prescriptions and refills are up to date and you don’t refill at the last minute can also help if anything might disrupt your care - from the political environment to things like a trip or a move.
Is there a risk to traveling with a passport that has an updated (or not an updated) gender marker?
Your passport should be valid no matter what gender marker it has, but you may face additional scrutiny or risk being outed at security checkpoints. A4TE’s Know Your Rights guide and Immigration Equality’s guide are helpful resources.
If your appearance differs from your passport photo you may need to consider updating it. A4TE shares “The State Department notes that you need to apply for a new passport if your appearance has significantly changed. If you can still be identified from the photo in your current passport, do not apply for a new passport. ”
If I have an existing passport with a gender marker change, should I avoid renewing it right now?
The current recommendation from many trans organizations is to hold off on renewing your passport right now, unless you have to for travel reasons.
I’m a trans person afraid of losing my chance to get top surgery if I don't do it soon. Should I try to get my surgery done before the situation gets worse, even if it feels rushed?
We always suggest working with a trusted clinician - like a primary care provider or therapist - who can help you evaluate the best steps for your mental and physical health. Many surgeons have long wait lists for gender-affirming surgeries, so if it’s something you’re interested in, you may want to get on a wait list now.
FOLX members have access to our Member Navigation team, who can help with referrals and navigating the process, as well as to our clinicians and community for pre and post surgery support.
Can trans people still legally access HRT in hostile states?
It depends on the state. Many have banned youth care, and some are trying to restrict adult access. Telehealth services like FOLX Health are still an option.
If my insurance stops covering HRT or puberty blockers, what can I do?
You may be able to file an appeal or switch providers. You can typically switch insurance providers during open enrollment or with a qualifying event.
Here at FOLX we help members navigate insurance and we also offer transparent cash pay rates for people without insurance coverage.
Has there been widespread change to insurance coverage on gender-affirming operations by insurance companies?
We have not seen widespread changes to insurance coverage for gender-affirming care. That said, federal and state actions are attempting to restrict coverage via Medicaid or state-sponsored health plans, and more.
Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone
LGBTQ+ people—especially trans people—have always found ways to survive, resist, and care for one another. The fight is far from over, and there are more people in your corner than you know.
🔗 For a deeper dive into everything covered here, check out the full FOLX Community Platform.
