By Ethan Rice, Lambda Legal Senior Attorney, Fair Courts Project
For many of us in the transgender, gender-nonconforming, nonbinary, and intersex community, 2025 has felt like a relentless attack on our very existence. Not only have state legislatures targeted our people, especially youth, but the federal government has also joined in the onslaught in full force. From taking away life-saving health care to denying accurate passports, the Trump administration has made it clear from day one in office that it intends on erasing our beautiful community from public life.
But even amidst this harrowing political landscape, we at Lambda Legal remain hopeful and steadfast in our vow to protect trans rights. We won’t ever back down.
As we end this year and embark on a new one, we wanted to share a few of the inspiring things that are propelling us forward and keeping our candles lit even in the darkest of times. Inspiration comes from the brave members of our TGNCNBI community who continue to love, care, and create despite everything; progressive leaders helping to envision a better world; compassionate allies ready to be on the frontlines; and of course, our own incredible colleagues here at Lambda Legal, who embody the mission of our organization every single day.
In no particular order, here are some things that are fueling our hope for 2026.
1. Anti-trans narratives are not winning elections. Zohran Mamdani was elected as Mayor of New York City, where he ran an explicitly pro-trans campaign. Erica Deuso became the first openly transgender mayor in Pennsylvania after being elected in Downingtown. And Abigail Spanberger was elected Governor of Virginia despite her opponent’s anti-trans rhetoric.
2. Our history is still being written. Despite attempts to silence or erase us, we are keeping our history alive and making art to remind us of who we are. Tourmaline’s book, Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson came out this year. Dylan Mulvaney had her memoir, Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer published and starred in an off-Broadway play. Jinx Monsoon has been in multiple Broadway shows this, and Justin Vivian Bond is selling out shows all the time!
3. We are fighting back in the courts against the Trump administration. Lambda Legal has filed 6 cases fighting Trump’s executive orders targeting transgender people and DEI initiatives. We have won a preliminary injunction halting the enforcement of an executive order that seeks to end federal funding to any entity that provides gender-affirming health care for youth. The fight continues. We won’t stop fighting for trans rights.
4. We have incredible allies. From our colleagues at Lambda Legal to those marching in the streets, we have allies who are standing up for us. There are great parents like L.W.’s parents, Samantha and Brian Williams, who supported her all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Pedro Pascal has publicly supported his trans sister and urges everyone to “Protect the Dolls.”
5. Our great community. We support each other and we always have. From Miss Major’s House of GG to the trans-staffed Trans Lifeline, our community has built what we need to survive. Let’s keep building. This Trans Awareness Week let’s commit to doing everything we can to support people in our community.
Learn more about Lambda Legal’s work by watching our third annual State of Trans Rights webinar below.