Ten Tips for Trans People Preparing for a Second Trump Presidency

It’s no secret that the potential return of a Trump presidency has many trans people feeling a familiar, sinking sense of dread. The last time around, it was a constant onslaught of attacks on our rights, our dignity, and our safety. And now, with anti-trans policies escalating—bathroom bans, healthcare restrictions, open hostility—it’s clear we need to prepare for the challenges ahead.

Preparation isn’t just about survival; it’s about creating a life that’s worth living, even in a hostile environment. It’s about safety, community, resilience, and finding joy in the face of adversity. Here are some steps that might help you navigate this moment.

1. Update Your Paperwork

This is an essential step. If your ID doesn’t match your gender presentation, you’re more likely to face scrutiny—especially in encounters with law enforcement or bureaucratic systems. Having your name and gender marker updated can make a world of difference.

The process varies by state. Some states automatically seal name changes, but others leave it to the discretion of judges. If you’ve received violent threats online, that evidence can sometimes strengthen your case for sealing your records.

It’s frustrating, expensive, and time-consuming, but having your documents in order will protect you in countless ways. If you haven’t gotten started on this, do it today.

2. Learn Makeup and Voice Skills

In a world where bathroom bans and anti-trans scrutiny are spreading, makeup and voice training are no longer just tools of affirmation—they’re survival skills. Being able to pass, even temporarily, can be lifesaving.

Transphobia is often deeply subjective, and people really will cut you more slack if they see you as making an effort. Is it fair that we have to think about this? No. But knowing how to navigate a hostile world is about stacking the deck in your favor. Whether it’s mastering a subtle daytime look or refining your vocal range, these skills can help you move through public spaces with less risk.

3. Carry Makeup Wipes and Drive Cautiously

Driving is another area where caution is your best defense. Avoid giving police a reason to stop you—stick to the speed limit, signal when you turn, and make sure your vehicle is in good shape. Even a small infraction could escalate in the wrong hands.

It’s not fair, but it’s the reality we’re up against.

One grim but important tip from a lawyer in a red state: if your ID says male and you often wear makeup, carry makeup wipes. Removing your makeup before an officer appears at your car window can help prevent an encounter with law enforcement from escalating. And no matter how you feel, remain polite to somebody who has the power to send you to a male jail, or worse.

4. Build Community

Isolation makes us vulnerable. One of the most powerful things you can do is build ties in your local community. Become a regular in places where people will notice if you don’t show up—a yoga class, a coffee shop, a volunteer group.

Being part of a community isn’t just about safety. It’s about connection, about being seen as a neighbor, a friend, a whole person. When people know you, they’re more likely to stand up for you if it comes to that.

These connections, and spending time around people in the real world, can also ease dysphoria. Being recognized and respected for who you are helps quiet some of the negativity that we carry.

5. Take Care of Yourself

America is a cruel country in many ways. It respects little but money, and financial security gives you options—whether that’s moving to a safer state, accessing healthcare, or building a safety net for yourself and others.

What high-paying jobs are available to you? What skills can you develop to access them? This isn’t about selling out; it’s about securing the resources you need to live with dignity.

And it’s not just about money. Your mental and physical health are just as important. Find ways to manage stress that don’t involve substances. Therapy, exercise, meditation, or creative outlets can help you avoid falling into despair. Remember: you can’t give back to your community if you’re barely making it through the day.

6. Plan for Medical Needs

Access to gender-affirming care is already a battleground, and it’s smart to prepare for disruptions. If you’re on injections, ask your doctor for a backup prescription for pills. They’re not ideal for everyone, but they’re easier to stockpile.

If your doctor is supportive, they’ll likely understand, and maybe even make sure that you’re getting extra vials in the mail every month. If not, you might need to strategize—ensure your levels are low at your next checkup or mention feeling “off” to expedite changes to your regimen.

A small reserve of hormones can be the difference between continuity and crisis.

7. Strengthen Your Safety

When it comes to protecting yourself, think carefully about what makes sense for you. Owning a gun might seem like a good idea, but the risks for trans people—especially given the rates of mental health challenges in our community—can outweigh the benefits.

Consider non-lethal options like bear spray, a Byrna launcher, or even a sturdy baseball bat. A self-defense class is another excellent choice. It’s not just about learning techniques; it’s about building confidence and physical fitness, which makes you both healthier and safer.

And let’s not forget the power of a good dog. A dog can protect you, get you outside, and bring a lot of light into your life.

8. Think About Your Community

Once you’ve secured a stable footing, think about how you can support others. Can you mentor younger trans people? Volunteer for organizations fighting for trans rights? Simply be a visible and supportive presence in your local area?

Community isn’t just about safety; it’s about joy, solidarity, and purpose. None of us gets through this alone.

9. Schedule Gender-Affirming Surgeries

If surgery is part of your transition goals, now is the time to act. Gender-affirming surgeries—especially bottom surgery or even an orchiectomy—can reduce the risk of being forcibly detransitioned in hostile environments.

These surgeries also make you safer visually by aligning your body more closely with your gender identity. Additionally, completing these procedures while they’re covered by insurance (if applicable) is critical. Laws and coverage policies are already shifting, and securing these surgeries sooner rather than later may save you from future barriers.

Contact your doctor, research surgeons, and start the process of consultations and approvals. It can be a long road, but it’s worth it.

10. Embrace Softness

The world often demands that we harden ourselves. But there’s nothing weak about wanting softness, about yearning for beauty, kindness, and gentleness. Lean into what brings you joy, whether that’s colors, cozy blankets, or the smell of fresh flowers. Resistance doesn’t have to look like anger or armor—it can look like refusing to give up on your humanity.

Yes, the challenges ahead are daunting. But trans people have always existed, and we’ve always resisted. Our community has thrived in spite of the odds, building joy, solidarity, and love in even the harshest environments.

You are part of that legacy. By preparing for what’s ahead, you’re not just surviving—you’re resisting, and you’re building a future where we can all thrive.

Take care of yourself. You are worth it. And remember: you are not alone.