Abortion Rights, LGBTQ+ Rights, and the Fight for Our Future
My Body My Choice. Photo by: Gayatri Malhotra
As someone who has faced the difficult decision of having an abortion, I know abortion rights and LGBTQIA+ rights are deeply intertwined, and represent our fundamental freedoms under relentless attack. With the Supreme Court's recent decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, along with the shifting political climate, it’s more crucial than ever to understand the stakes. Thankfully, GLAAD has documented the troubling trends in anti-LGBTQIA+ and anti-abortion policies, particularly those championed by Donald Trump.
The impact on our communities is undeniable, and the following sections outline these key points as detailed by GLAAD.
Trump’s abortion record includes:
Nominating three justices to the U.S. Supreme Court, creating a majority to overturn Roe v. Wade, endangering patients, families and safe medical care across the country.
The overturning of Roe has had a catastrophic impact on LGBTQ people. LGBTQ people can and do get pregnant and need reproductive health care. Many of the same states with abortion bans also have enacted bans on transgender health care.
Trump bragged that he is responsible for overturning Roe: “If it weren’t for me, with Roe v. Wade, you wouldn’t even be talking about this stuff. For 54 years they were trying to get Roe v. Wade terminated, and I did it and I’m proud to have done it,” Trump said.
Trump’s anti-abortion Supreme Court nominees also have a record of anti-LGBTQ activism:
Credibly accused rapist Brett Kavanaugh, is supported by anti-LGBTQ group Family Research Council.
Frequent speaker for anti-LGBTQ hate group Alliance Defending Freedom Amy Coney Barrett also served at a school that discriminates against LGBTQ students and families.
Neil Gorsuch, who had written the Bostock decision expanding civil rights protections to LGBTQ workers (over Trump administration objections), wrote the decision in 303 Creative, a 26-page opinion about a legal dispute that never existed and websites that do not exist, brought by anti-LGBTQ hate group Alliance Defending Freedom on fully fabricated standing.
All three justices were nominated under non-democratic circumstances, including a nomination withheld from former President Obama during the 2016 election year, a nominee with a history of sexual assault, and rushing a nomination during the 2020 election while Americans were already voting.
Trump has recommitted to criminalizing abortion:
Trump told Time that he would not intervene in decisions to monitor or prosecute pregnant people.
Trump refused to say whether his second administration would enforce the Comstock Act, an 1873 “zombie law” that bans the mailing of birth control and abortion medication.
Trump claims his current position on abortion:
is that “now that we have abortion where everyone wanted it from a legal standpoint, the states will determine by vote or legislation, or perhaps both. And whatever they decide must be the law of the land. In this case, the law of the state.” In the same video he made the baseless claim that Democrats want to legalize the “execution” of babies that were already born, which is not true.
Trump’s administration in his one-term presidency was filled with activists from the anti-LGBTQ national organization Heritage Foundation. Heritage and others have created “Project 2025”:
details regulations and executive orders to be taken in first days in office, including: “deleting [from federal agencies and federal rule] the terms sexual orientation and gender identity (“SOGI”), diversity, equity, and inclusion, gender, gender equality, gender equity, gender awareness, gender-sensitive, abortion, reproductive health, reproductive rights.”
Semafor reported: While Project 2025 bills itself as being “candidate agnostic,” [project director Paul] Dans noted that at this point in the primary, they expect “and hope” that Donald Trump will ultimately end up in office again.
NBC News reported that Project 2025 includes representatives from anti-LGBTQ, anti-equality and anti-democracy groups “led by veterans of the Trump administration, such as America First Legal, the Center for Renewing America and the Conservative Partnership Institute, the Claremont Institute, the Family Research Council and the Independent Women’s Forum.”
Trump’s record against women includes:
Convicted of 34 felony counts in June 2024 related to election interference in effort to silence women he had affairs with.
Found liable for sexual abuse for raping E. Jean Carroll in a department store dressing room. Ordered to pay $5 million in damages for repeatedly defaming Carroll. Carroll is among more than a dozen women who have publicly accused Trump of sexual assault or harassment.
GLAAD’s Voter Poll shows:
53% of both registered and likely 2024 voters say they would oppose “a political candidate [who] speaks frequently about restricting access to health care and participation in sports for transgender youth.
All voter categories overwhelmingly agree that “Republicans should stop focusing on restricting women’s rights and banning medical care for transgender youth and instead focus on addressing inflation, job creation, and healthcare costs.” 94% of LGBTQ voters, 76% of registered voters, 76% of likely 2024 voters, and 82% of swing voters agree.
Final Thoughts
As a bi+ woman, Trump’s record on abortion and LGBTQIA+ rights isn’t just politics—it’s personal. The fight for reproductive rights and LGBTQIA+ equality is deeply intertwined. Both are fundamental freedoms that have been under relentless attack and need to be protected. These policies are more than just laws—they touch our lives, our relationships, and the very core of who we are. This election isn’t just a political event; it’s a critical moment for our rights and our future.
As November approaches, we know what’s at stake. Harris and Walz are out on the campaign trail, drawing huge, enthusiastic crowds of people who are ready for change. People of all ages are showing up, even in 100+ degree weather, to be part of something new. But energy and enthusiasm mean nothing if we don’t turn them into votes. LGBTQ+ rights and a woman’s right to choose aren’t just connected—they’re essential to our freedom. The Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade is the wrong direction for this country.
This election is our chance to defend those rights. If we want to keep them out of our medical choices, we must get out and vote.
A big thanks to GLAAD for their clarity and commitment to keeping us informed about what’s really going on. Their work helps us understand the stakes and reinforces the importance of standing up for our rights.
To read more about my personal experience and why this fight is so important to me, check out my post about my own abortion journey.
We’re not going back!
Other useful references for inclusive abortion coverage
The Trans Journalists Association’s guidance on best practices for trans-inclusive language in coverage of abortion.
GLAAD’s Media Reference Guide contains guidance on LGBTQ terms and transgender terminology specifically.
Many vocal opponents of abortion rights in media and politics have also made anti-LGBTQ statements that can be found on the GLAAD Accountability Project.
For ideas about ways to cope with election anxiety, check out:
Queer, Sensitive, and Stressed: Survival Strategies For Election Anxiety
Disclaimer
My blog posts are my reflections and thoughts on mental health topics and do not replace therapy or getting support from a licensed mental health professional. The advice provided is general in nature and may not be suitable for everyone. If you are experiencing mental health issues, please seek personalized assistance from a qualified professional.
All rights reserved: Tori Corbett Counseling 2024
