New York, NY – March 5, 2025 – Former President Donald Trump’s recent joint address to Congress has sparked outrage and condemnation from GLAAD, the world’s leading LGBTQ media advocacy organization. GLAAD accuses Trump of disseminating a barrage of false and harmful rhetoric targeting the LGBTQ community, further fueling an already hostile political climate. The organization meticulously debunked several of Trump’s claims, highlighting the detrimental impact of his misinformation campaign.
Trump’s assertion of restoring free speech in America rings hollow, given his administration’s documented efforts to suppress LGBTQ voices. From executive orders aimed at censoring LGBTQ content on federal websites to the erasure of terms like “transgender” and “queer” from the Stonewall National Monument’s online presence, Trump’s actions contradict his rhetoric. Moreover, his administration’s attempts to restrict healthcare access for transgender individuals, twice blocked by federal courts, underscore a pattern of discrimination.
The former president’s praise of discriminatory executive orders targeting transgender athletes drew further criticism. Citing the case of Payton McNabb, a paid spokesperson for an anti-transgender group, Trump perpetuated a narrative that ignores statistical realities. McNabb’s injury during a volleyball match involving a transgender player was presented as an example of the supposed dangers of transgender inclusion, while overlooking the significantly higher incidence of injuries among cisgender athletes in the same sport.
Trump’s misleading claim regarding taxpayer funds being used to create “transgender mice” is another example of his administration’s distortion of scientific research. This allegation, rooted in a politically motivated investigation, misrepresents NIH-funded studies on hormone replacement therapy conducted through animal testing – research with potential benefits for individuals of all gender identities.
Equally baseless is Trump’s allegation of $8 million in US aid being allocated to promote LGBTQ+ rights in Lesotho. This claim has been directly refuted by LGBTQ advocates in Lesotho, who deny receiving any such funding. GLAAD criticizes this assertion as part of a broader pattern of racist rhetoric targeting African nations.
Further inflaming the situation, Trump’s introduction of January Littlejohn, a plaintiff in a lawsuit against a Florida school district, omitted key details about her involvement with a national anti-transgender organization. Littlejohn, initially supportive of her child’s school’s handling of their gender identity, later joined forces with the group and filed suit, echoing similar “parents’ rights” claims made against other school districts.
GLAAD’s response underscores the broader societal impact of Trump’s rhetoric. Public opinion data reveals widespread support for LGBTQ rights among non-LGBTQ Americans, with 91% agreeing that LGBTQ individuals should be free from discrimination. However, the current political climate has instilled fear and concern, with nearly half of non-LGBTQ adults expressing worry for the LGBTQ community and over half believing anti-LGBTQ legislation has gone too far.
These concerns are particularly relevant for Generation Z, which boasts the highest percentage of LGBTQ individuals (nearly 1 in 4) compared to other generations. The Gallup poll’s findings, coupled with GLAAD’s research, highlight a growing acceptance and support for LGBTQ individuals, particularly among younger generations. This contrasts sharply with the divisive rhetoric being employed by political figures like Trump.
The economic implications of anti-LGBTQ sentiment are also evident. Consumer surveys demonstrate that a significant majority of both LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ adults believe companies and brands should support the LGBTQ community, and many express a preference for patronizing businesses that demonstrate such support. This suggests that divisive rhetoric not only harms the LGBTQ community but also carries potential economic consequences for businesses that align themselves with discriminatory practices.
GLAAD calls for responsible and accurate reporting on transgender participation in sports and cautions against the use of loaded terms like “gender ideology,” “transgenderism,” “biological male,” and “biological female.” These terms are often employed to dehumanize and justify discrimination against transgender individuals and perpetuate inaccurate stereotypes. The organization encourages journalists and the public to consult resources like GLAAD’s fact sheets and Gender Justice’s Get the Facts for accurate information on transgender athletes and inclusion in sports.
The organization emphasizes the importance of factual reporting and responsible language in covering LGBTQ issues. By providing accurate information and challenging harmful rhetoric, GLAAD aims to promote a more inclusive and understanding environment for LGBTQ individuals and push back against the divisive narratives promoted by figures like Donald Trump. The rising support for LGBTQ rights among the general public, especially among younger generations, suggests a shift towards greater acceptance and inclusivity. However, the ongoing spread of misinformation and discriminatory rhetoric underscores the continued need for advocacy and education to combat prejudice and ensure equality for all.
GLAAD urges media outlets to prioritize accurate and inclusive reporting, avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes, and provide platforms for LGBTQ voices and perspectives. By challenging misinformation and amplifying the voices of those most affected, GLAAD aims to counter the negative impact of divisive rhetoric and promote a more just and equitable society.
The organization emphasizes the importance of using respectful and accurate language when reporting on LGBTQ issues. Terms like "gender ideology" and "transgenderism" are often employed by opponents of transgender rights and serve to misrepresent and dehumanize transgender individuals. Similarly, using "biological male" or "biological female" to describe transgender athletes is inaccurate and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. GLAAD encourages journalists and the public to educate themselves on appropriate terminology and avoid language that reinforces harmful biases.
The organization provides numerous resources for journalists and the public seeking accurate information about LGBTQ issues, including fact sheets on transgender participation in sports and guides to LGBTQ terminology. By providing these resources, GLAAD seeks to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to engage in informed and respectful discussions about LGBTQ issues and challenge misinformation when they encounter it.
The ongoing debate surrounding LGBTQ rights and inclusion underscores the importance of advocating for evidence-based policies and challenging harmful stereotypes. GLAAD’s response to Trump’s recent address serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to push back against misinformation and discrimination, and to promote a more just and inclusive society for LGBTQ individuals. By amplifying LGBTQ voices, challenging harmful stereotypes, and providing accurate information, GLAAD strives to create a world where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.