In recent years, the rights of transgender individuals have come under attack by the current administration, led by President Donald Trump. From attempting to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military to rolling back protections for transgender students in schools, Trump has consistently targeted this marginalized group. But what exactly is Trump doing to transgender people? The answer lies in a term that has been gaining traction in discussions about his policies: denationalizing.
Denationalizing is a concept that refers to the stripping away of citizenship rights and protections from certain individuals or groups. It is a form of exclusion and othering that seeks to delegitimize the belonging of certain individuals in a society. In the case of transgender individuals, denationalizing involves erasing their identities and denying them the rights and protections that should be afforded to all citizens.
One of the most glaring examples of denationalizing transgender individuals is Trump’s attempt to ban them from serving in the military. This policy not only denies transgender individuals the opportunity to serve their country, but it also sends a message that they are not valued members of society. By excluding them from the military, Trump is effectively denying their right to citizenship and belonging in the United States.
Another way in which Trump is denationalizing transgender individuals is through his administration’s rollback of protections for transgender students in schools. By rescinding guidelines that allowed transgender students to use the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity, Trump is sending a message that transgender individuals are not welcome in public spaces. This not only harms transgender students’ ability to learn in a safe and supportive environment, but it also reinforces the idea that they are not entitled to the same rights and protections as their cisgender peers.
Denationalizing transgender individuals is a dangerous and harmful practice that perpetuates discrimination and marginalization. It sends a message that certain individuals are not deserving of the same rights and protections as others, simply because of who they are. This kind of exclusion and othering has no place in a society that claims to value equality and justice for all.
As we continue to fight against the denationalization of transgender individuals, it is important to stand up for their rights and affirm their belonging in our society. We must reject policies and practices that seek to erase their identities and deny them the rights that should be afforded to all citizens. Only by recognizing and affirming the humanity and dignity of transgender individuals can we truly create a society that is inclusive and just for all.
