As the prospect of a second Trump administration looms, many members of Hollywood’s LGBTQ community are expressing significant concern and anxiety about their future in the United States. This sentiment is evident as prominent figures, including Kirsten Schaffer, executive director of Women in Film, articulate fears for their safety and the overall well-being of marginalized groups, particularly the transgender community. Schaffer highlighted that compared to Trump’s first term, there are fewer political “guardrails” this time with his party controlling the House, Senate, and judiciary. This consolidation of power raises alarm bells for those worried about potential regressions in LGBTQ rights, suggesting that the current political landscape could lead to more extreme measures against these communities.
Some members of the Hollywood elite, including screenwriter Brent Hartinger, have already made the decision to leave the country, citing deep-seated fears that conditions for LGBTQ individuals will worsen under Trump. Hartinger, who relocated in 2017, anticipates a broader exodus this time, signaling a concerning trend among stars contemplating emigration as a means of self-preservation. The discussion around leaving is not wholly universal, however; many individuals within the LGBTQ community are taking a more measured ‘wait and see’ approach, weighing their options based on unfolding political dynamics rather than making immediate decisions to exit en masse.
Despite the growing anxiety, not all LGBTQ figures view the situation with impending doom. Marc Huestis, founder of the Gay Film Festival, and other voices in the community suggest that concerns about Trump’s potential anti-LGBTQ policies may be overstated. Huestis, for instance, believes that Trump’s personal views might not align with traditional homophobic sentiments, suggesting a disconnect between political fears and reality. Similarly, writer Bruce Vilanch acknowledged a sense of hysteria within the community but remarked on the need for a balanced perspective, hinting that the situation might not be as dire as perceived by some.
However, the fears are particularly pronounced among transgender individuals. The rising anxiety is exemplified by transgender actress Laverne Cox, who recently spoke about the possibility of relocating to Europe or the Caribbean, fearing for the future of the transgender community under the Trump administration. Cox’s apprehensions have fueled conversations around access to essential hormones, with some feeling the need to stockpile medications out of fear that government policies may jeopardize their availability. While such fears may not have a direct basis in Trump’s stated policies, they illustrate the deep apprehension felt within the transgender community.
It is important to note that Trump has openly voiced support for certain LGBTQ issues, including same-sex marriage, and has appointed openly gay officials to significant roles within his administration. These actions have led to a more complex dialogue about the extent of threats LGBTQ individuals may face under his leadership. Many in Hollywood are wrestling with mixed messages coming from Trump’s administration, which raises questions about whether the fears articulated by some members of the LGBTQ community are warranted or more based on emotional reactions to past experiences and societal changes.
As the nation anticipates the practical implications of a second Trump administration, the future for LGBTQ individuals remains uncertain. While some celebrities are driven by fear to consider leaving the country, others take a measured approach, looking to balance civic engagement with personal safety. Ultimately, the varying responses within Hollywood reflect a broader national grappling with identity and rights under a political climate that has historically oscillated between progressive promise and conservative pushback. The panicked voices of concern serve as a litmus test for the community’s resilience as they navigate what could be a challenging and transformative period in American political history.