Surviving The Next Trump Term: An Ongoing LGBTQIA+ Perspective: Part 2
How we are going to get Economically Fucked, with no lube
Employment and Economic Sh*tshow: How LGBTQIA+ Folks Are Getting Screwed Over
When it comes to the workplace and the economy, LGBTQIA+ people are facing more than just systemic challenges—they’re up against outright fuckery. From so-called "religious exemptions" being used as a free pass for discrimination to the dismantling of workplace protections and a lack of meaningful enforcement of anti-discrimination laws, the deck is fucking stacked. Let’s break down this bullsh*t into three major fronts: religious exemptions, attacks on workplace equality, and the weakening of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
1. Religious Exemptions in Employment: A License to Discriminate
What’s the Deal?
Imagine walking into a job interview, nailing it, and then being told, "Sorry, but Jesus doesn’t approve of your lifestyle." That’s the fucking reality many LGBTQIA+ people face, thanks to the rise of "religious freedom" laws. These laws give businesses the green light to refuse to hire or outright fire LGBTQIA+ individuals if doing so conflicts with their "religious beliefs."
Where It’s Happening
Religious exemptions have been weaponized in states across the U.S., and at the federal level, they’ve been supported by executive orders and court rulings. In 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Bostock v. Clayton County ruled that LGBTQIA+ people are protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. But religious exemptions, such as those granted under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), have created loopholes big enough to drive a hate-filled f*cking semi-truck through.
The Damage
These exemptions disproportionately affect LGBTQIA+ people in states with fewer protections. A 2021 study from the Movement Advancement Project found that 52% of LGBTQIA+ Americans live in states where they have little to no protection against workplace discrimination. And let’s not even get started on the mental toll of being told your f*cking identity is a fireable offense.
Citations
Movement Advancement Project, "LGBTQ Employment Laws Map."
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), "Religious Exemptions and LGBTQ Rights."
2. Targeting LGBTQIA+ Workplace Equality: Rolling Back Progress
Repealing Federal Protections
One of the sneakiest ways to screw over LGBTQIA+ workers is by dismantling protections put in place by previous administrations. Under the Obama administration, protections for federal contractors were expanded to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. But the Trump administration rolled back these protections, leaving LGBTQIA+ federal workers vulnerable as f*ck.
Why It Matters
Federal contractors employ millions of Americans, and removing protections creates a ripple effect. When discrimination becomes acceptable at such a large scale, it sends a message that it’s open f*cking season on LGBTQIA+ workers everywhere.
State-Level Attacks
At the state level, efforts to preempt local anti-discrimination ordinances are becoming more common. These preemption laws prevent cities and counties from enacting their own protections for LGBTQIA+ workers, effectively nullifying progress made at the local level. It’s some f*cked-up, underhanded sht.
Citations
Human Rights Campaign, "Trump Administration's Rollbacks of LGBTQ Protections."
National Employment Law Project, "State Preemption of Local LGBTQ Protections."
3. Opposition to Workplace Inclusion: The EEOC’s Weakening Grip
What’s Happening?
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is supposed to be the watchdog for workplace discrimination. But under certain administrations, the EEOC’s enforcement power has been undermined, leaving LGBTQIA+ workers with little f*cking recourse when they face discrimination.
Understaffing and Budget Cuts
Budget cuts and understaffing have left the EEOC ill-equipped to handle the flood of complaints it receives. LGBTQIA+ workers already face significant barriers to filing claims, and when the system is understaffed, cases get delayed or dismissed altogether. The lack of proactive investigations also means that systemic discrimination often goes unchecked. It’s a clusterf*ck of inefficiency.
Shifting Priorities
When the EEOC shifts its focus away from LGBTQIA+ discrimination cases, it’s not just negligence—it’s a signal to employers that they can get away with it. During the Trump administration, the EEOC deprioritized LGBTQIA+ issues, despite clear evidence that discrimination was f*cking rampant.
Citations
National Center for Transgender Equality, "The State of the EEOC for LGBTQ Workers."
Center for American Progress, "Budget Cuts and the Erosion of Workplace Protections."
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
Work isn’t just about a paycheck; it’s about dignity, purpose, and the ability to provide for yourself and your family. When LGBTQIA+ people are pushed out of jobs or denied opportunities, the effects are far-reaching:
Economic Instability: LGBTQIA+ individuals already face higher rates of poverty, and workplace discrimination exacerbates this sh*t.
Mental Health: The stress of hiding one’s identity or facing open hostility at work takes a massive f*cking toll.
Community Impact: Discrimination doesn’t just hurt individuals—it hurts families, communities, and entire f*cking economies.
Fighting Back
The fight for workplace equality isn’t over. Here’s what needs to happen:
Strengthen Anti-Discrimination Laws: Pass federal legislation like the Equality Act to close loopholes and expand protections for LGBTQIA+ workers.
Fund the EEOC: Ensure the EEOC has the resources it needs to enforce anti-discrimination laws effectively. F*ck the budget cuts.
Push Back Against Religious Exemptions: Advocate for a balance between religious freedom and civil rights that doesn’t allow for open discrimination. Enough of this holy bullsh*t.
Support Unions: Unionized workplaces are often safer for LGBTQIA+ workers, as collective bargaining can secure inclusive policies. Get the f*ck on board.
Raise Awareness: Keep shining a light on discriminatory practices and holding businesses accountable. Don’t let these a**holes off the hook.
This isn’t just an LGBTQIA+ issue—it’s a fight for fairness, dignity, and the basic human right to work without fear of discrimination. And it’s a fight worth showing the f*ck up for, every damn time.