On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order that significantly undermines protections for the transgender community. This order explicitly states that the United States will cease to allocate any federal funds aimed at “promoting gender ideology.” In light of this aggressive stance on trans rights, Lucy Dacus has emerged as a powerful advocate, ready to confront these challenges head-on.

On January 22, the talented singer-songwriter took to her X account to rally her fans, urging them to circulate GoFundMe pages for transgender individuals seeking financial assistance for gender-affirming surgeries. Dacus pledged to contribute a substantial $10,000, distributed in increments of $500, to support these vital efforts. “If trans people wanna comment surgery GoFundMes, I’m gonna give away 10k in $500 increments until it’s gone,” she declared. Her passionate message encouraged others to join her in this important cause by making donations and spreading awareness.

The post garnered over 300 responses, highlighting the urgent need for solidarity among supporters of trans rights. Dacus concluded with a powerful statement regarding the bleak outlook for transgender Americans under a potential second Trump administration: “The government will never be the source of our validation or protection,” she emphasized. “We have to do it ourselves.” This declaration resonates deeply with the ongoing struggle for transgender rights and serves as a call to action for her followers.

Trump’s executive order, titled “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” establishes a national policy recognizing only two sexes. This directive effectively removes all federal funding for gender-affirming health care, raising significant concerns among healthcare professionals and advocates alike. Critics argue that this order will have detrimental effects on the health and well-being of countless individuals seeking gender-affirming treatments.

Despite the administration’s actions, prominent medical organizations such as the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychological Association, and the Endocrine Society have voiced strong opposition. They advocate for policies that protect access to gender-affirming care, recognizing that gender identity and sexual orientation exist along a spectrum rather than being confined to a binary classification. Their stance underscores the importance of informed and compassionate healthcare for all individuals.

LGBTQ+ advocacy group Lambda Legal has already announced their intention to challenge Trump’s executive order in court, citing the potentially devastating consequences of these actions. They assert that such policies will strip away essential healthcare access, undermine workplace protections against discrimination, and contribute to the exclusion and harassment of vulnerable children in schools. The implications of this executive order extend far beyond mere policy changes; they threaten the very fabric of support for the transgender community.

In the midst of this political turmoil, Lucy Dacus is actively promoting her upcoming album, Forever Is a Feeling. Recently, she showcased two new songs, “Limerence” and “Ankles,” with the latter making its debut during a performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Dacus’s music not only reflects her artistry but also serves as a platform for advocating social change and supporting marginalized communities.