Trump’s deceptions mask hateful actions toward LGBTQ+ people
By Alfredo Olvera
Special to the Sun Sentinel
In its Jan. 27 op-ed in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Log Cabin Republicans claimed, “Trump is the most pro-gay president in U.S. history.” That is an outrageous statement.
As is so often the case with Trump, his statements contradict his actions. Yes, Trump has made statements that imply support for the LGBTQ+ community. However, his policies have consistently chipped away at the rights of the most marginalized people in our country, particularly the transgender community.
- Trump banned LGBTQ+ refugees entering the United States.
- Trump rescinded Title IX protections for transgender students.
- Trump banned transgender people from serving in the military.
- Trump signed an executive order laying the groundwork to discriminate against LGBTQ+ citizens based on religion.
- Trump stated Title VII, which protects against employment discrimination, does not extend to LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Trump rolled back protections for incarcerated transgender people.
- Trump has endangered the very freedoms and lives of our community.
The President of the Broward Log Cabin Republicans, Andrew Brett, attacked the Dolphin Democrats for being partisan and for not praising a man who continuously commits atrocities against our community.
The hypocrisy is jarring.
It is the Republicans who have been silent, hence complicit, in every attack this administration has carried out on the LGBTQ+ community and minorities. It is the Republicans who were silent in 2019 when at least 25 transgender and gender non-conforming people were fatally shot or killed by other violent means.
It is because of organizations such as the Dolphin Democrats — who actively fight to protect the rights of marginalized communities — that we have an informed community and pro-equality local elected officials.
It is because of organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign, Equality Florida, and S.A.V.E., who lobby fiercely on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community, that we have protections like marriage equality.
It is because of organizations such as TransInclusive Group, The Pride Center, and SunServe that we can have safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people in Broward County.
It is because of the Democratic Party and the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, who directly advocate to pass pro-LGBTQ+ ordinances and legislation, that our communities have human rights protections.
Where have the Republicans been when their own LGBTQ+ members needed protection? Our community is in peril, and once again, Log Cabin Republicans have placed their party over their own community.
The Dolphin Democrats will continue the work we started in 1982. We will continue to fight for equality and for equity.
We will continue to advocate to ensure that all voices, and not just the privileged ones, are heard.
We will continue to unite to ensure every member of the LGBTQ+ community has a seat at the table no matter their socioeconomic status, religious belief, national origin, or racial background.
We encourage every LGBTQ+ person to show the Trump administration that enough is enough by registering to vote and showing up on Election Day. It is only when we ignite and unite that we will win.
Join the movement. Visit us at: www.dolphindems.org
Alfredo Olvera is president of the Dolphin Democrats, the Broward chapter of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus. The group’s goal: “Electing a pro-equality Democrat as president who represents the values of all Americans.”