Trump’s actions mirror global trends where authoritarian regimes marginalise women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and minorities by exploiting cultural conservatism and far-right ideologies.
by Roheena Ali Shah
Donald Trump’s inaugural speech as President of the United States marked a disturbing shift in global politics, a stark example of how ultra-right-wing nationalist ideologies threaten the progress made in human and gender rights. His divisive rhetoric, particularly targeting immigrants, transgender individuals, and marginalised communities, signalled a deliberate regression from values of diversity and equality.
Trump’s pledge to roll back protections for transgender individuals in schools, sports, and public life is part of a broader global trend where far-right populist leaders weaponise exclusionary narratives and policies to consolidate their power. This pattern reflects a deliberate strategy to garner the support of extremists and polarise societies by targeting vulnerable groups, including the LGBTQ+ community, women, and ethnic or religious minorities.
The assertion of outdated binary gender norms invalidates the lived experiences of millions of transgender and non-binary individuals. Enforcing policies that rigidly define gender as determined by biological sex at birth, Trump’s administration erased the recognition of gender as a deeply personal and multifaceted aspect of human identity. Gender is shaped not only by biological factors but also by cultural, social, and individual influences, as affirmed by modern psychological, sociological, and medical research.
Trump’s policies not only threatened the dignity and rights of transgender and non-binary individuals but also undermined years of advocacy and progress in areas such as healthcare, education, and workplace protections. This regressive stance on gender issues reflects a broader political strategy aimed at appealing to conservative bases by promoting a narrow and exclusionary vision of identity.
At a time when the world faces pressing issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and global instability, Trump’s obsessive focus on curtailing the rights of a small, vulnerable population seemed both divisive and counterproductive. These policies deflect attention from the structural inequalities that deserve urgent attention, instead of targeting those who are least responsible for societal challenges.
Rolling back protections for transgender students fosters exclusion and bullying, undermining education’s purpose. His administration also attempted to ban transgender people from serving in the military. Similarly, such policies spread misinformation and reinforce harmful stereotypes instead of promoting inclusion by targeting transgender athletes.
Trump’s actions mirror global trends where authoritarian regimes marginalize women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and minorities. Leaders like Narendra Modi in India and Giorgia Meloni in Italy exploit cultural conservatism and far-right ideologies to erode feminist and human rights gains, using vulnerable communities as scapegoats to deflect from systemic failures.
In Europe, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has employed anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric to appeal to traditionalist and conservative voters. Her far-right Brothers of Italy party has opposed measures like same-sex civil unions and adoption rights, reflecting a broader push to reinforce “traditional family values” as a cornerstone of their agenda.
Even in France, President Emmanuel Macron has faced backlash for policies perceived as discriminatory against Muslim communities, such as banning the hijab in certain public spaces and targeting Islamic organisations under the guise of combating radicalism. While Macron’s policies differ ideologically from far-right leaders like Marine Le Pen, they still reflect a growing trend of exploiting cultural divides for political gain.
In Pakistan, populist leaders often invoke conservative religious sentiments to marginalise nonbinary individuals and women, reinforcing patriarchal norms and perpetuating systemic inequality. Public figures have frequently passed misogynistic comments and resorted to victim-blaming in cases of sexual violence, reflecting a broader culture of impunity and deeply entrenched gender bias.
For example, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, while addressing issues of rising sexual violence, controversially blamed women’s clothing and “Western influence” as contributing factors.” Such remarks drew widespread condemnation from progressive forces and human rights groups, who pointed out how this rhetoric shifts responsibility away from perpetrators and exacerbates the stigma faced by survivors.
Legislation aimed at advancing women’s and LGBTQ+ rights has faced significant resistance, with conservative factions often framing such measures as threats to Islamic values or cultural identity. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, passed in 2018 to safeguard the rights of transgender individuals, was met with backlash from religious hardliners who falsely claimed it would promote immorality. This resistance has hindered the effective implementation of the law, leaving many transgender individuals vulnerable to violence, discrimination, and lack of access to basic services.
The pervasive use of conservative religious narratives by populist leaders also fuels public sentiment against women’s empowerment initiatives. Attempts to promote gender equality are often dismissed as Western impositions or tools of cultural erosion, allowing leaders to rally their base around a shared sense of moral and nationalistic identity.
This shared agenda—whether through anti-LGBTQ+ policies, suppression of women’s rights, or the marginalisation of ethnic and religious minorities—is rooted in a desire to mobilise majority groups against perceived “threats”. These leaders consolidate their power while distracting people from gigantic issues like economic inequality, corruption, and governance failures by fostering division and exclusion.
History shows that such attacks on human rights often ignite justice movements. The backlash against Trump’s policies has galvanised activists and allies, demonstrating the resilience of marginalised communities. To counter rising fascism and exclusionary politics, we must reaffirm equality, dignity, and solidarity. Human rights are universal and cannot be silenced by repressive regimes or ideologies.

Roheena Ali Shah is a gender expert with extensive experience working in private and public organisations. She is a regular contributor to The High Asia Herald, where she writes on pressing social issues, with a focus on gender dynamics and challenges in Gilgit-Baltistan.