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.

The Overlap: LGBTQ+ Rights & Climate Neglect

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 dominate.

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 deeply harmful to 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 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:

• Overturned Chevron v. NRDC, which will make it more difficult for executive branch agencies to combat climate change.

• Blocked the EPA’s “good neighbor” rule, designed to cut air pollution.

• Cut the EPA’s power to regulate wetlands under the Clean Water Act—by over 50%.

Trump nominee Amy Coney Barrett’s father was a longtime American Petroleum Institute member.
(Conflict of interest much?)

Trump has recommitted to reversing environmental protections:

• Promised top oil execs to “immediately reverse dozens of President Biden’s environmental rules”—if they donate $1 billion to his campaign.

• Rolling back clean energy and electric vehicle incentives.

• Withdrew from the Paris Agreement once—and vows to do it again.

Trump’s Current Stance on Climate Change

If reelected, Trump has pledged to “hit rewind” on President Biden’s climate initiatives, effectively dismantling efforts aimed at combating climate change. During the June 27 Presidential Debate, he asserted that his previous term resulted in “the best environmental numbers ever.” However, this claim overlooks the extensive rollbacks of environmental protections that occurred during his administration .​

Project 2025: A Blueprint for Environmental Deregulation

Trump's administration has been closely associated with Project 2025, a comprehensive policy framework developed by the Heritage Foundation. This initiative aims to reshape federal governance, particularly in areas concerning environmental regulation and climate policy. Key objectives include:​Yale Climate Connections

• Reversing Climate Policies: Rolling back measures implemented by the Biden administration to address climate change .​

• Repealing Renewable Energy Incentives: Eliminating funding and tax incentives designed to promote the transition to renewable energy sources .​

• Downsizing Environmental Agencies: Significantly reducing the size and scope of agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), thereby limiting their capacity to enforce environmental regulations .​

Critics argue that Project 2025 represents an authoritarian shift, potentially undermining democratic principles and leading to significant environmental and social consequences .​

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: This blog shares my reflections on mental health but is not a substitute for therapy. The advice is general and may not fit everyone. If you're struggling, please seek support from a licensed mental health professional.