Trans Adults and Family Relationships: Tensions and Coping Following Trump’s 2024 Campaign and Election

A central pillar of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign was the elimination of legal protections for transgender (trans) individuals, operationalized through executive orders and administrative directives following his election, which contributed to a sociopolitical context that had the potential to amplify trans people’s minority stress. Prior research indicates that (a) family support plays a critical role in trans adults’ well-being, and (b) election cycles are associated with increased tensions for trans adults within the family context. This study examined how 302 trans adults experienced and navigated family dynamics following Trump’s reelection. Participants completed an online survey in December 2024 that addressed preparation for a Trump presidency, responses to anti-trans legislation, coping strategies, social support, and hopes for the future. Chi-square tests examined sociodemographic differences in family-related experiences, including family tension and estrangement, as well as endorsement of themes identified through qualitative content analysis. Over one-third of participants reported increased family tension and distancing over the past year due to political differences. Qualitative content analysis, performed on a sub-sample of participants (n = 69), revealed four themes: (1) enduring connection amid disillusionment; (2) emotional labor and strategic silence; (3) resilience through selectivity; and (4) protective disconnection. Findings reinforce the intimate reach of macro-level political hostility into trans adults’ interpersonal and family lives and highlight the need for affirming family-based, community, clinical and policy-level supports to mitigate the harms of anti-trans legislation.