Personal Impact: Daniela’s Story
Daniela, a 23-year-old transgender woman from Texas, began her transition in 2023 with hope. Thanks to Medicaid support, she accessed essential hormones like estrogen and antiandrogens. However, her treatment was interrupted just weeks after Donald Trump assumed his second presidential term in 2025.
Daniela’s letter from Medicaid
“The mail arrived, stating that my medical coverage had been modified. I went to my clinic, and they told me they couldn’t continue prescribing hormones.”
Daniela’s situation is not unique. Since January, with Trump’s return to the White House, key protections for the trans community have been rolled back once again.
Institutional Regression and Real Consequences
Dr. Javier Luna, an endocrinologist specializing in trans health, stated, “The impact is devastating. When a trans woman abruptly stops her hormone therapy, she may experience partial physical reversal, such as loss of breast tissue, increased facial hair growth, and emotional disturbances.”
Beyond medical risks, discontinuing treatment has a profound psychological impact.
Patients’ emotional struggles
“Many patients report depression, anxiety, exacerbated dysphoria, and suicidal thoughts. The most serious aspect is that this occurs due to political decisions, not medical ones.”
A New Economic Divide
The situation worsens with financial implications. With subsidies removed, the monthly cost of hormone therapy in private clinics can exceed $400 (approximately 7,600 Mexican pesos). For transgender individuals who are unemployed or have precarious jobs, this expense is unsustainable.
Daniela’s financial struggle
“I tried to find my hormones through other means, but self-medicating is dangerous. I don’t know what will happen to me.”
Community Response: Support Networks
In the absence of state support, community support networks have resurfaced. Organizations like Trans United Fund, GLAAD, and solidarity pharmacies attempt to meet the demand through crowdfunding, donations, and free or low-cost medical care.
Luis Salazar’s statement
“We are witnessing a collapse of the trans health system in several states, particularly in the South. What the state cannot cover is being taken on by the community, but it’s not sustainable.”
Ongoing Lawsuits and an Uncertain Future
Organizations like ACLU and Lambda Legal have already filed new lawsuits against Trump’s reforms. However, legal processes are slow, and thousands have already been forced to abandon their treatments.
Dr. Luna’s urgency
“The problem is that time doesn’t wait. Each month without treatment means physical setbacks, mental stress, and a deteriorating quality of life.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the impact of Trump’s policies on transgender health? The policies have led to the rollback of key protections for the trans community, causing many to lose access to essential hormone therapy.
- What are the consequences of stopping hormone therapy? Physical reversal, emotional distress, and exacerbated dysphoria are some of the consequences.
- How does the economic aspect affect transgender individuals? The removal of subsidies has made hormone therapy unaffordable for many, pushing them to abandon treatment.
- What community support is available? Organizations and solidarity pharmacies are attempting to fill the gap through crowdfunding, donations, and free or low-cost medical care.
- What legal actions are being taken? Organizations like ACLU and Lambda Legal have filed lawsuits against the reforms, though legal processes are slow.
