Project 2025: While the specific impact of project 2025 on the LGBTQ+ community depends on how its proposals are implemented, there are several areas to consider based on the priorities outlined in the plan:
1. Potential Rollbacks of Federal Protections
Civil Rights Protections: There is concern among advocacy groups that Project 2025 could lead to a rollback of federal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in areas such as employment, healthcare, and housing. For example, policies that narrow the interpretation of “sex discrimination” to exclude sexual orientation and gender identity could impact protections under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Affordable Care Act.
Transgender Rights: The project’s emphasis on “biological reality” may signal policies aimed at restricting recognition of gender identity in favor of stricter adherence to biological sex. This could affect areas such as IDs, school sports participation, and access to gender-affirming healthcare.
2. Education and Parental Rights
Curriculum Control: The project prioritizes empowering parents in education, which could include restrictions on discussing topics related to LGBTQ+ issues in schools. This aligns with the broader movement to limit or ban discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in educational settings.
Book Bans and Representation: Increased scrutiny of school and library materials may lead to further restrictions on books and media that feature LGBTQ+ characters or themes.
3. Healthcare Access
Gender-Affirming Care: Some of the policies may propose limiting access to gender-affirming care, especially for minors. This aligns with efforts in several states to ban or restrict such care.
Conscience Protections: Expanding healthcare providers’ ability to refuse care based on religious or moral objections could disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ individuals seeking reproductive healthcare or gender-affirming treatments.
4. Religious Freedom vs. LGBTQ+ Rights
A core theme of Project 2025 is strengthening religious liberty. While religious freedom is constitutionally protected, its expansion could lead to conflicts with LGBTQ+ rights. For example, businesses or service providers might be allowed to deny services to LGBTQ+ individuals on the grounds of religious beliefs.
5. Community Resilience
The LGBTQ+ community has historically faced and adapted to significant policy challenges. In response to potential changes inspired by Project 2025, advocacy groups are likely to intensify their efforts in lobbying, litigation, and community organizing.
Conclusion
The ultimate impact of Project 2025 on the LGBTQ+ community will depend on the policies implemented, judicial rulings, and the response from civil rights organizations and broader society. It underscores the importance of active engagement from all stakeholders to ensure that the rights and needs of marginalized groups are considered in shaping national policies.
In the meantime, be sure to work with an advisor who understands your needs and situations. Best to be prepared for a rocky road ahead.
Sharon L. Herman AAMS, ADPA is the CEO and financial advisor at Silver Key Wealth Management, and affiliated with LPL Financial. www.silverkeywealth.com
The opinions expressed in this material do not necessarily reflect the views of LPL Financial.
Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Silver Key Wealth Management, an independent investment advisor. Silver Key Wealth Management is separate entity from LPL financial.
Ms. Herman may only discuss and/or conduct transact securities business with residents of FL, MI, GA, NJ, VA, NC, SC, CA, TX, CO, IN, NH, NY. www.finra.org www.sipc.org