What LGBTQ+ People Can Expect in 2025

If the past few years have shown anything, it’s that LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S. are far from settled. While marriage equality is still the law of the land, conservative lawmakers and advocacy groups are making moves to roll back protections, especially for transgender people.

At the same time, LGBTQ+ activists are fighting back, using the courts, organizing, and community support to push for equality. Here’s what LGBTQ+ people should expect in 2025.

Idaho’s Push to Overturn Same-Sex Marriage

Idaho lawmakers have started the year by trying to roll back same-sex marriage. Representative Heather Scott and other Republican legislators introduced a resolution calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. Their argument? Marriage should be defined at the state level, not by the federal government.

While this resolution doesn’t change the law on its own, it’s part of a broader effort by conservative groups to push the Court to take up the issue again. Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas have already said they believe Obergefell was wrongly decided. If Idaho and other states keep up the pressure, the Court might eventually reconsider the ruling, putting marriage rights for same-sex couples back in jeopardy.

The Supreme Court’s Conservative Majority

For years, LGBTQ+ rights groups have worried that the Supreme Court, now with a 6-3 conservative majority, could roll back key legal victories. Trump’s three appointments—Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett—have helped shift the Court to the right.

In recent years, the Court has ruled in favor of businesses refusing to serve LGBTQ+ customers on religious grounds and struck down affirmative action programs. If the Court agrees to hear a case challenging same-sex marriage, there’s no guarantee that Obergefell will survive.

What Trump’s Second Term Means for LGBTQ+ Rights

Donald Trump is back in the White House, and his administration is expected to continue rolling back LGBTQ+ protections. Some of the biggest concerns include:

  • Project 2025 – A conservative policy agenda developed by think tanks like the Heritage Foundation aims to restrict LGBTQ+ rights, including access to gender-affirming healthcare, legal definitions of gender, and anti-discrimination protections.
  • Transgender Military Ban – Trump previously banned transgender people from serving in the military. He could reinstate this ban, reversing policies that allowed trans service members to serve openly.
  • Education Restrictions – Some Republican lawmakers are pushing for a national version of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, which would limit discussions of LGBTQ+ issues in schools.

While Congress may not pass all of these proposals, executive actions and agency rule changes could still affect LGBTQ+ rights at the federal level.

Texas: The Front Line of Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation

If there’s one state leading the charge against LGBTQ+ rights, it’s Texas. Lawmakers there have already introduced dozens of anti-LGBTQ+ bills this year, and more are likely on the way. Some of the biggest threats include:

  • Anti-Trans Bills – At least 32 bills targeting transgender people have been introduced, including ones that ban gender-affirming care, restrict bathroom access, and prevent trans people from changing their gender markers on IDs.
  • Higher Education Crackdowns – A law banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in Texas colleges went into effect this year, leading to the shutdown of LGBTQ+ resource centers on campuses.
  • Funding Bans on Gender-Affirming Care – Lawmakers are considering cutting state funding for hospitals and clinics that provide gender-affirming care, even for adults.

Texas has already passed laws banning gender-affirming care for minors and restricting how schools discuss LGBTQ+ issues. Given the current political climate, these attacks are unlikely to slow down anytime soon.

How LGBTQ+ People and Allies Are Fighting Back

Despite these challenges, LGBTQ+ activists, organizations, and allies aren’t backing down. Some of the most significant responses include:

  • Legal Challenges – Groups like the ACLU and Lambda Legal are preparing lawsuits to block new anti-LGBTQ+ laws. If courts rule in their favor, some of these policies could be struck down before they take effect.
  • Community Support Networks – LGBTQ+ groups are stepping up efforts to provide legal assistance, healthcare resources, and mental health support to people affected by new laws.
  • Voter Mobilization – With the 2026 midterms on the horizon, activists are working to register voters and elect candidates who support LGBTQ+ rights.

What LGBTQ+ People Can Do in 2025

This year will bring challenges, but there are ways to stay informed and take action:

  • Know Your Rights – If you’re worried about how new laws might affect you, organizations like the ACLU, Lambda Legal, and local LGBTQ+ groups can provide guidance.
  • Get Involved – Whether volunteering for an LGBTQ+ organization, attending protests, or simply supporting LGBTQ+-friendly businesses, every action counts.
  • Stay Connected – With anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric on the rise, it’s more important than ever to find community. Whether online or in person, connecting with others can make a difference.

No matter what happens in 2025, LGBTQ+ people have fought too hard for equality to stop now. The coming months may be challenging, but the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is far from over.


References

Advocate. “Texas Republicans File 32 Anti-Trans Bills on First Day of 2025 Session.” The Advocate, 7 Jan. 2025, www.advocate.com/news/texas-republicans-file-anti-trans-bills.

American Civil Liberties Union. “Trump’s Second-Term Agenda: Rolling Back LGBTQ+ Rights.” ACLU News, 5 Jan. 2025, www.aclu.org/news/lgbtq-rights/trump-on-lgbtq-rights.

Boise State Public Radio. “Idaho Lawmakers Push Supreme Court to Overturn Same-Sex Marriage.” Boise State Public Radio News, 7 Jan. 2025, www.boisestatepublicradio.org/politics-government/2025-01-07/idaho-overturn-gay-marriage-resolution.

Newsweek. “Project 2025 and What It Means for LGBTQ+ Americans.” Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025, www.newsweek.com/what-does-project-2025-mean-lgbtq-people-1956315.

Statesman. “Texas Senate Bill 17 Bans DEI Offices in Colleges, Impacting LGBTQ+ Students.” Austin American-Statesman, 1 Jan. 2025, www.statesman.com/story/news/education/2025/01/01/texas-senate-bill-17-dei-ban.

Teen Vogue. “How Trump’s Second Term Could Impact LGBTQ+ Rights.” Teen Vogue, 4 Jan. 2025, www.teenvogue.com/story/trump-anti-lgbtq-agenda-second-term.

Them. “Idaho Republicans Call on Supreme Court to Reverse Marriage Equality.” Them.us, 7 Jan. 2025, www.them.us/story/idaho-republicans-supreme-court-reverse-marriage-equality.

Texas Standard. “Texas Legislature Considers Expanding Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws.” Texas Standard, 6 Jan. 2025, www.texasstandard.org/stories/texas-legislature-2025-lgbtq-transgender-bills-laws.

The Verge. “Meta’s New Hate Speech Policy and Its Impact on LGBTQ+ Users.” The Verge, 7 Jan. 2025, www.theverge.com/2025/1/7/meta-hate-speech-policy.

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