How Trump’s DEI Rollback Is Impacting LGBTQ+ Lives in NYC
Weekend breakfasts in Queens are a cherished ritual for Pariss Roman, a queer Latin American New Yorker who identifies as a “bearded lady with A-cups.” For her, family is a sanctuary—one built with her sister and niece, where judgment has no place. But outside their home, the world has shifted. Since President Trump’s return to office in January 2025, his administration has dismantled diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. For Pariss Roman, this rollback has had devastating consequences: her gender identity is no longer recognized on official documents, and she lost her job of 18 years shortly after the policy change. The message was clear – her identity was no longer welcome.
A Broader Dismantling of Identity and Rights
Trump’s rollback of DEI policies not only affects the LGBTQ+ community but also people of color. His administration has banned federal agencies from using over 250 terms, including “diversity,” “gay,” and “woman,” and repealed long-standing civil rights protections. These moves have emboldened corporations like Target and Citibank to quietly abandon their own DEI programs, perhaps fearing political backlash. In New York City, a place once seen as a haven for marginalized communities, the effects are chilling. Safe spaces are shrinking, and fear is growing. As Pariss Roman puts it, “We’re getting so much deeper within the truth—how toxic and racist this country really is.”
Resistance Through Community and Visibility
Despite the setbacks, the LGBTQ+ community in New York City is not backing down. Grassroots resistance is growing—from boycotts of companies complicit in DEI rollbacks to the creation of new safe spaces like underground bars and private gatherings. Activists and allies are organizing, educating, and reclaiming public spaces. As Pariss says, “If you’re not going to give it, we’ll create it.” In the face of a rights rollback, the community is choosing visibility, solidarity, and resilience.
