Resistance to Trump has become a new national pastime, at least for the millions who swelled Women’s Marches across the country, besieged airports, upended town halls and who continue to hound politicos on everything from healthcare to immigration. And rumors of an executive order that will chill workplace protections for LGBTQ people panicked many liberal tweeters last month, including Anthony Oliveira, who advised his 23,000-plus followers to “get married, insurance, passports now.” More recently, the administration rescinded Obama’s directive allowing transgender students to use the bathroom of their choice. It’s also in contrast to many members of his cabinet. Donald Trump’s own tepid endorsement of LGBTQ rights – particularly his view that same-sex marriage is a “settled” issue – is in stark contrast to the GOP and the conservative, evangelical base that rallies around him.
Pence’s anti-LGBTQ record is well known, from the religious freedom bill he signed as governor of Indiana, to the ambiguous nod toward conversion therapy made during his congressional bid in 2000. Despite this outpour of support, even before Inauguration Day the LGBTQ community was in crisis mode, braced for whatever outrages and rollbacks the new White House has in store.
