Transgender Federal Employees Encounter Discrimination Under Trump

Transgender federal employees have reported experiencing fear and discrimination in the workplace since President Donald Trump returned to office and initiated a series of executive orders targeting LGBTQ+ rights. Marc Seawright, a former employee at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), described his distressing transformation from a dedicated civil servant to a victim of a hostile work environment. Over eight years, Seawright contributed significantly to technology policy aimed at combating workplace harassment, but the political climate shifted dramatically following the president’s actions.

Shortly after taking office, Trump issued an executive order defining sex as strictly male or female, which Seawright claims undermined the very mission of the EEOC. “My tech expertise was being leveraged to perpetuate discrimination against people like me,” said Seawright, who resigned in June 2021, citing overwhelming distress and a toxic workplace atmosphere. He was among ten transgender and gender nonconforming federal employees who shared their experiences with The Associated Press, highlighting a culture of fear and a lack of support.

The administration’s policies have reversed years of progress, significantly impacting the rights of transgender individuals across various sectors. Since January 2021, the government has removed references to “gender ideology” from official websites and reinstated a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. The EEOC and the White House have declined to address claims that these policies have fostered a hostile work environment for transgender employees.

Some employees, like LeAnne Withrow, a former soldier in the Illinois National Guard, have faced direct consequences from the executive order. Withrow, who now assists military families in navigating resources, was barred from using women’s restrooms at work. In locations without single-occupancy facilities, this restriction has forced her to undertake lengthy trips to find suitable restrooms, severely impacting her daily routine.

In response, Withrow has joined a class action lawsuit against the administration, claiming sex discrimination. Represented by the ACLU, she argues that the policies violate her rights as a transgender woman. The Illinois National Guard has refrained from commenting on the ongoing litigation but maintains its commitment to treating all employees with dignity.

The sweeping nature of the Trump administration’s actions has drawn criticism from advocates and scholars alike. Brad Sears, a senior scholar at the UCLA School of Law’s Williams Institute, noted a comprehensive effort to erase transgender identities from public life. “The federal workplace is increasingly an inhospitable place for the transgender employees who remain,” he stated.

The challenges faced by federal employees extend beyond policy changes. Olivia Hunt, director of federal policy at Advocates for Trans Equality, emphasized that many transgender federal workers operate under the direct authority of the president, making them particularly vulnerable to discriminatory practices. “In the absence of an ability to impose their will directly on employers throughout the country, this administration is going to use the tools that they have to attack the trans people who are in close proximity to them,” Hunt said.

Seawright’s experience exemplifies the emotional toll these policies can create. He noted that after the implementation of the executive order, Acting EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas rapidly altered agency policies, including the removal of a pronoun application designed to foster inclusivity. Seawright had dedicated significant time developing this tool to support nonbinary employees at the agency. “For it to be just kind of yanked away summarily…that became really frustrating,” he added.

After resigning, Seawright sought legal recourse, filing a formal discrimination complaint against the EEOC. He cited significant mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, stemming from the actions taken by the agency.

Withrow continues to navigate her federal role while confronting the implications of these policies. “I do feel as though there is at least an implied threat for trans folks in federal service,” she said. Despite these challenges, Withrow remains committed to her mission, hoping that her contributions to the workplace will affirm her rightful place within the federal system.

The experiences of Seawright, Withrow, and their peers shed light on the broader implications of policy changes for transgender individuals in the federal sector. As the political landscape evolves, the fight for equality and recognition continues to be a pressing concern for many.