How LGBTQ+ People Can Protect Themselves Legally, Financially, and Medically in the Coming Months

[fusion_builder_container type=”flex” hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” align_content=”stretch” flex_align_items=”flex-start” flex_justify_content=”flex-start” flex_wrap=”wrap” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” container_tag=”div” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” spacing_medium=”” spacing_small=”” padding_dimensions_medium=”” padding_dimensions_small=”” border_sizes=”” border_style=”solid” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_custom_size=”” background_custom_size_medium=”” background_custom_size_small=”” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” background_slider_position=”” background_slider_skip_lazy_loading=”no” background_slider_loop=”yes” background_slider_pause_on_hover=”no” background_slider_slideshow_speed=”5000″ background_slider_animation=”fade” background_slider_direction=”up” background_slider_animation_speed=”800″ video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” pattern_bg=”none” pattern_custom_bg=”” pattern_bg_color=”” pattern_bg_style=”default” pattern_bg_opacity=”100″ pattern_bg_size=”” pattern_bg_blend_mode=”normal” mask_bg=”none” mask_custom_bg=”” mask_bg_color=”” mask_bg_accent_color=”” mask_bg_style=”default” mask_bg_opacity=”100″ mask_bg_transform=”left” mask_bg_blend_mode=”normal” render_logics=”” logics=”” absolute=”off” absolute_devices=”small,medium,large” sticky=”off” sticky_devices=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_transition_offset=”0″ scroll_offset=”0″ animation_direction=”left” animation_color=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_delay=”0″ filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ align_self=”auto” content_layout=”column” align_content=”flex-start” valign_content=”flex-start” content_wrap=”wrap” center_content=”no” column_tag=”div” target=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” type_medium=”” type_small=”” flex_grow_medium=”” flex_grow_small=”” flex_grow=”” flex_shrink_medium=”” flex_shrink_small=”” flex_shrink=”” order_medium=”0″ order_small=”0″ dimension_spacing_medium=”” dimension_spacing_small=”” dimension_spacing=”” dimension_margin_medium=”” dimension_margin_small=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_medium=”” padding_small=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” hover_type=”none” border_sizes=”” border_style=”solid” border_radius=”” box_shadow=”no” dimension_box_shadow=”” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ background_type=”single” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ lazy_load=”none” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_custom_size=”” background_custom_size_medium=”” background_custom_size_small=”” background_blend_mode=”none” background_slider_position=”” background_slider_skip_lazy_loading=”no” background_slider_loop=”yes” background_slider_pause_on_hover=”no” background_slider_slideshow_speed=”5000″ background_slider_animation=”fade” background_slider_direction=”up” background_slider_animation_speed=”800″ render_logics=”” sticky=”off” sticky_devices=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” absolute=”off” absolute_props=”” filter_type=”regular” filter_hover_element=”self” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ transform_type=”regular” transform_hover_element=”self” transform_scale_x=”1″ transform_scale_y=”1″ transform_translate_x=”0″ transform_translate_y=”0″ transform_rotate=”0″ transform_skew_x=”0″ transform_skew_y=”0″ transform_scale_x_hover=”1″ transform_scale_y_hover=”1″ transform_translate_x_hover=”0″ transform_translate_y_hover=”0″ transform_rotate_hover=”0″ transform_skew_x_hover=”0″ transform_skew_y_hover=”0″ transform_origin=”” transition_duration=”300″ transition_easing=”ease” transition_custom_easing=”” motion_effects=”” scroll_motion_devices=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_color=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_delay=”0″ min_height=”” last=”true” link=”” border_position=”all” first=”true”][fusion_text columns=”” rule_size=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_color=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_delay=”0″ logics=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky”]

Friends,

It’s been almost two weeks since the election. What we know is that the House, Senate, and administration will be dominated by lawmakers and appointees who will fight against equality for the LGBTQ+ community and other vulnerable populations. We are working alongside our partner organizations to prepare for every eventuality and will be here to support you no matter what lies ahead.

While some of the anticipated measures will take time to implement and will be fought with legal battles, others could happen swiftly. We are still fighting anti-equality riders currently in the FY2025 NDAA, but we anticipate that even if they are removed, some could be implemented from Day 1 through an executive order.

For LGBTQ+ people, particularly transgender and gender-expansive people, being prepared for the unknown is essential. Here are practical steps we compiled that you should consider in the coming weeks to safeguard yourself legally, financially, and medically against anticipated challenges.

• Obtain or update your passport. A federal passport serves as a valid ID in most places and is necessary for international travel, and changing the gender marker on yours is very straightforward. Passports are valid for 10 years, so if you have less than four years left on your current passport, consider updating yours now. Consider paying extra for an expedited passport to ensure you receive yours before the start of the incoming administration. 
• Update state documents and IDs. Transgender, gender-expansive, and intersex people will need as many documents as possible that reflect their correct gender marker to navigate current or future laws and regulations targeting the community. Currently Kansas doesn’t allow drivers licenses or birth certificates to be updated after someone transitions to another gender. Montana, Tennessee, and Nebraska passed legislation or had governors sign executive orders to narrowly define sex. Other states are moving to do the same, so it’s more important than ever to have a license or ID that displays an accurate gender marker. This will also help you avoid negative interactions or diffuse tense situations with officials. 
• Change your Social Security gender marker. Many folks may not be aware that the Social Security Administration maintains a gender marker on file. If future policies restrict the ability to update identification documents, updating your gender marker with Social Security could help prevent mismatches that might flag your identification within federal systems. 
• Securely store important documents. Make sure you have copies of your medical records, legal documents, and other important papers in a secure location. If possible, make copies and send them to a trusted family member, friend, or a safety deposit box. 
• Request that your doctor provide a one-year renewable prescription for your medications and/or maintain a supply of medication. Medication access may be disrupted in the coming months. Having your medicine on hand, even if you have a renewable prescription, is important should a federal ban, lawsuits, or investigations complicate access. 
• Consider relocation now, if your safety and security is a concern. Moving is a significant and complex decision that may not be available if you are stationed in a state with anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, are limited by financial, legal, or personal circumstances, or if you have a desire to stay and fight. If moving is an option you want to consider, this is an opportune moment to finalize your plans, as anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and policies could escalate quickly and further complicate a move. With FY2025 budget negotiations still underway in Congress, these laws could be enacted before the end of Biden’s administration. 
• Find community allies. Identify community organizations, legal funds, mutual aid, and other resources. Modern Military is curating and continually updating our legal referrals, regional community resources, and health and wellness resources. State and local groups can offer the most current information on relevant laws and advise on how to address new challenges. Modern Military private and secret groups are available based on location or identity traits. Connect with us to be added to secret groups. 
• Identify spaces where you can be yourself. We understand that not all military or veteran spaces are welcoming to LGBTQ+ identities. Sometimes you have to choose between serving or living authentically. Even if you have accepting command at one station, that might not be true at your next posting. It’s important to identify at least one person in your network who you can be your true self with and who is willing to support you through hard times. 
• Prioritize your mental health. This is going to be a rough road for us to travel. Do not be afraid to connect with friends, family, community groups, or therapists who understand and support you. Find time to engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Limit exposure to news consumption and find ways to disconnect from the 24-hour news cycle which will exacerbate anxiety and depression. Consider joining Modern Military’s Strong Communities safe, virtual, peer-moderated monthly meetings for adult LGBTQ+ service members, veterans, and their partners to find fellowship, resources, and support. 
• Develop a safety plan. A safety plan can be a personalized, practical plan to improve your safety if you are experiencing discrimination or abuse as well as a prioritized list of coping strategies and sources of support you can use when you are in crisis. Modern Military’s Suicide Prevention Hub has tools for emergency support, peer support, client management, and education and outreach tools. Tell us if you are experiencing LGBTQ+ or HIV discrimination on our reporting form. 
• Prepare yourself financially. The current transgender unemployment rate is 14-18%, whereas the unemployment rate for the general population is 7-8%. Based on policies under the previous Trump administration, we anticipate the reinstatement of a transgender military ban, which could impact 15,000+ active duty service members. Immediate dismissal from your job can create financial hardship, homelessness, and it can be a struggle to find new employment opportunities. If you are a transgender service member living on a military base, start identifying other housing options and connect to local mutual aid funds (including military aid societies) to help you should you become unhoused and unemployed. If you can, start setting aside a portion of your paycheck into a separate savings account for housing, healthcare, or other unexpected expenses. 
• Get involved. As we prepare for the next four years, remember that we are in a marathon, not a sprint. There are numerous ways you can stay informed and engaged. Start by following reliable news sources on legislation and policy changes, contact your representatives to voice your concerns and advocate for your rights, and join in on in-person or virtual activism activities. You can learn more about the issues we are fighting for on behalf of the LGBTQ+ military and veteran community on our advocacy agenda. We also compiled tips on how to advocate, volunteer, build community and awareness to advance fairness and equality.

We will continue this work and keep fighting on your behalf.

In solidarity,
Rachel Branaman

P.S. If you are an ally or member of the community who has the capacity to support our work, consider donating to Modern Military to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ service members and veterans, ensuring they receive the care they need to thrive. Donate Today.

Editor’s Note: Modern Military would like to thank Erininthemorning.com for her research and contributions to this list. Subscribe at her website today.

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]