Trump's Take on Climate Change “Hoax”: How Is It an LGBTQ+ Issue?
Earth - the only planet we have Photo by NASA @nasa Unsplash
Oregon is on fire…
Again. So are California, Idaho, and parts of Texas. The situation in Idaho is so severe that the Department of Defense has called in military personnel to help firefighters— something that’s become increasingly common as fire weather conditions worsen.
Even as I type, millions of acres are burning across the globe. Canada, Portugal, Brazil, and Greece are all battling blazes. Here in the U.S., over 2.2 million acres have burned this year, with 1.3 million of those acres in Oregon alone—a record-breaking wildfire season.
The common thread? Climate change
The signs of climate change are everywhere—longer, hotter heatwaves, torrential downpours leading to floods, and stronger, more intense hurricanes. As these “natural” disasters become more frequent and severe, it's clear that the stakes are higher for everyone, especially marginalized communities. According to GLAAD's recent poll, climate change isn’t just an environmental issue; it's a top concern for queer voters.
GLAAD has meticulously documented the anti-LGBTQ+ history of Donald Trump, including his policies that exacerbate climate change. These policies have not only rolled back crucial environmental protections but have also placed LGBTQ individuals at greater risk. The following fact sheet, developed by GLAAD (By GLAAD, July 15, 2024), provides a comprehensive overview of how Trump’s administration has handled—or not handled—climate change and its impact on the LGBTQ community.
Climate change and its effect on the LGBTQ community:
According to the findings of a report by The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, climate change “exacerbates existing disparities among individuals and communities.” LGBTQ people, specifically same-sex couples:
face greater risk “to the negative effects of climate change” compared with non-LGBTQ individuals.
disproportionately live in coastal regions or areas at risk due to climate change.
are more likely to live in areas with poor infrastructure and access to vital resources.
are more likely to be “overlooked in local and national relief efforts,” especially in communities where religious-affiliated organizations often.
In examining the report, Legal Planet cited “extreme weather events” such as 2005’s Hurricane Katrina as proving not only deadly and costly to affected communities, but also on a more granular level, the LGBTQ people who lived within them:
LGBTQ people and families “were often overlooked in local and national relief efforts” they noted. “Some LGBTQ families faced separation during resettlement. Many more people struggled to apply for relief aid, especially because churches and religiously affiliated organizations so often provided the relief.”
Trump’s climate change record includes:
diminishing the severity of climate change by frequently calling it a “hoax.”
weakening or wiping over 125 environmental rules and policies from 2016-20.
increasing reliance on fossil fuels.
Trump’s Supreme Court nominees have also ignored calls for climate change protections by:
overturning Chevron, USA Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, which will make it more difficult for executive branch agencies to combat climate change, and will introduce the threat of legal challenges.
temporarily blocking the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) “good neighbor” rule following challenges from Ohio, Indiana, and West Virginia. The rule would have curtailed air pollution in several states.
cutting back the EPA’s “ability to regulate wetlands under the Clean Water Act” by more than fifty percent.
Trump Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett’s father, Michael Coney, has ties to big oil, and was a member of the American Petroleum Institute for more than 20 years.
Trump has recommitted to reversing environmental protections:
promising top oil execs he would “immediately reverse dozens of President Biden’s environmental rules and policies and stop new ones from being enacted” if they contribute $1 billion to his reelection bid.
rolling back key efforts to promote electric vehicles and clean energy production.
withdrawing from the The Paris Agreement, which was adopted in 2015 to combat climate change. This would mirror Trump’s actions during his 2016-20 presidency, which President Biden overturned after winning the White House.
Trump’s current position on climate change:
If reelected, Trump would “hit rewind” on President Biden’s actions to combat climate change (which, in turn, President Biden has done the same with regard to Trump’s 2016—20 term). At the same time, he claimed at the June 27 Presidential Debate his four years in the White House led to “the best environmental numbers ever.” The reality is that federal laws protecting air and water quality have been in effect for decades, but Trump used his presidential power to roll back environmental protections.
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,” which aims to:
Rewind actions the Biden administration has taken to reverse climate change rollbacks by former President Trump.
Repeal efforts to provide “funding and tax incentives for corporations and communities” that switch to renewable energy.
Downsize federal agencies that include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA’s offices “form a colossal operation that has become one of the main drivers of the climate change alarm industry.”
GLAAD’s Voter Poll shows:
The environment and climate change are a leading concern. Twenty-one percent of respondents indicated it is one of the two most important issues candidates must address.
Fear that Republican control of the White House and Senate, as well as a conservative-leaning Supreme Court, could have “lasting implications for generations to come” (86% likely).
Final Thoughts
Navigating the political landscape as a queer person can be incredibly stressful. With so much at stake, including climate change, it's crucial to stay informed and proactive. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Check out my blog post Queer, Sensitive, and Stressed: Survival Strategies For Election Anxiety for practical tips on managing election anxiety and finding a bit of peace amidst the chaos. For more insights into Trump’s policies on abortion rights, and their impact, read: Abortion Rights, LGBTQ+ Rights, and the Fight for Our Future.
With Kamala Harris announcing her run for president in November, the energy in the country is electrified. At the rally in Atlanta, Quavo spoke on gun violence and the need for reform, while Megan Thee Stallion and her dancers delivered an unforgettable performance in their Dem blue outfits. I dive deeper into her performance in my upcoming post Girls, Gays, and Theys Unite for Kamala.
Momentum is growing, and with Harris leading in the polls, there's a real chance for change. But now is not the time to slow down. We must keep pushing forward—getting the word out, registering voters, and ensuring every vote counts. Our collective action now will determine whether future generations face an even more hostile environment.
Together, we have the power to make history—but it all starts with the power of your vote.
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
