Project 2025: A Threat to Freedom of Expression
In an increasingly polarised political landscape, understanding the implications of Project 2025 has never been more urgent. This initiative by the far-right Heritage Foundation outlines a comprehensive plan to reshape the US federal government along ‘conservative’ lines, posing a significant threat to transgender rights and freedom of expression. As a transgender content creator, the potential impact of this project on individual creators like myself cannot be overstated.
Project 2025 aims to implement sweeping regulatory changes that redefine and severely restrict the dissemination of transgender-related content. By equating “transgender ideology” with pornography, the project seeks to criminalise the distribution of such content, affecting educators, librarians, and content creators across various platforms. In today’s article, I’ll delve into the background of Project 2025, its proposed measures, and the broader implications for the transgender community and freedom of expression (yes, I’ve got receipts). Understanding these developments is crucial for anyone concerned about civil liberties and the preservation of inclusive, diverse public discourse.
Background of Project 2025
Project 2025 was initiated by the Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank, in collaboration with over 80 right-wing organisations. The project’s primary aim is to prepare for a potential Republican administration in 2025 by creating a comprehensive plan to reshape the US federal government. This initiative stems from the perceived need to counteract what its proponents see as a ‘leftward’ drift in American politics and governance. The project represents a concerted effort by the right to consolidate executive power and implement their policy preferences more effectively.
The core objectives of Project 2025 include reclassifying tens of thousands of federal civil service workers as political appointees, removing their civil service protections and thereby allowing the incoming administration to replace them with individuals who align with their ideological stance. This is intended to ensure that ‘conservative’ policies are implemented without resistance from existing federal employees. Additionally, the project aims to dismantle or significantly alter several federal agencies and programs, particularly those related to environmental regulations, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ protections (The Heritage Foundation) (Wikipedia) (Ebar).
Among the influential backers of Project 2025 are prominent ‘conservative’ organisations such as the Alliance Defending Freedom, Family Research Council, and the American Principles Project. These groups, known for their advocacy against LGBTQ+ rights and other progressive causes, have played a significant role in shaping the project's agenda. The involvement of these organisations underscores the project’s alignment with a broader ‘conservative’ strategy to roll back many of the social and regulatory advancements of recent decades (The Heritage Foundation) (Wikipedia) (Ebar).
Key Proposals of Project 2025
Project 2025's proposals include broad and vague definitions that equate “transgender ideology” with pornography, aiming to criminalise its dissemination. This conflation is part of a broader strategy to restrict transgender rights and limit the visibility of transgender issues. By framing transgender content (such as this Substack) as inherently sexual and harmful, the project seeks to justify stringent censorship and legal penalties. This could have far-reaching implications for educators, librarians, and content creators, who may face severe consequences for providing or distributing transgender-related materials (Free Speech Coalition) (PinkNews) (Southern Poverty Law Center).
The proposed regulatory changes under Project 2025 include reclassifying a significant number of civil service positions as political appointees. This move would enable the administration to replace existing federal employees with individuals who are ideologically aligned with conservative values. Additionally, the project aims to alter federal protections that currently safeguard transgender individuals and other marginalised groups. This includes rolling back anti-discrimination policies and redefining the legal understanding of sex and gender to exclude gender identity (Wikipedia) (Southern Poverty Law Center).
Specific targeting of transgender content is a critical component of Project 2025. The initiative proposes the removal of transgender-related materials from educational and public institutions, labelling such content as inappropriate and harmful. This could lead to the criminalisation of educators (like me) and librarians who provide access to transgender resources, effectively silencing discussions around transgender issues. By enforcing these measures, Project 2025 seeks to significantly reduce the visibility and acceptance of transgender identities in public discourse (Southern Poverty Law Center) (Ebar).
Potential Implementation Strategies
A friendly administration could swiftly enforce Project 2025’s policies through a series of executive orders and departmental guidelines. These executive orders could mandate immediate changes in how federal agencies handle transgender issues, again, like reclassifying civil service positions to ensure that key roles are filled by political appointees aligned with conservative ideologies. Additionally, departmental guidelines could be revised to redefine sex and gender, effectively excluding gender identity from anti-discrimination protections. Such measures would not require Congressional approval and could be implemented relatively quickly to align federal operations with the project’s goals (The Heritage Foundation) (Media Matters).
Legislative efforts and budget adjustments would further support the implementation of Project 2025. Congress could pass laws to formalise the redefinitions of sex and gender, making these changes more difficult to reverse in the future. Budget adjustments could defund programs that support transgender rights and allocate resources to initiatives that enforce the new definitions and restrictions. By redirecting funding, the administration could undermine the infrastructure that currently supports transgender individuals, such as healthcare services and educational programs (Southern Poverty Law Center).
Strategic judicial appointments and public campaigns would reinforce these measures. Appointing judges who are sympathetic to far-right viewpoints on transgender issues would ensure that legal challenges to the new policies are more likely to be upheld in court. Public campaigns, leveraging ‘conservative media’ and grassroots organisations, could shape public opinion to support these changes, framing them as necessary for protecting children and maintaining public morality. By building a supportive public narrative, the administration could mitigate backlash and foster a more favourable environment for these policies to take root (Southern Poverty Law Center) (Ebar).
Implications for Transgender Content Creators
The broad definitions and vague policies outlined in Project 2025 could have a direct and chilling impact on transgender content creators, particularly smaller creators like Substack writers, TikTokers, and IGers. By equating “transgender ideology” with pornography, the project opens the door to automated enforcement mechanisms that might indiscriminately flag and remove content. This broad categorisation does not differentiate based on the nature or intent of the content, meaning that educational, supportive, and personal narrative pieces about transgender experiences could be targeted and censored (Free Speech Coalition) (PinkNews) (Southern Poverty Law Center).
The legal and financial risks associated with compliance to new regulations under Project 2025 are substantial. Content creators could face severe penalties for distributing transgender-related materials, including potential criminal charges. The threat of being labeled as purveyors of pornography, facing imprisonment, or being classified as sex offenders for simply sharing personal stories or educational content about transgender issues is a significant risk. Additionally, the financial burden of legal defense and potential fines could deter many from continuing to create and share their content. This environment would likely lead to widespread self-censorship, as creators seek to avoid these severe consequences (Southern Poverty Law Center) (Ebar).
Historical precedents and recent cases illustrate the impact of similar broad measures on content creators. For instance, during the McCarthy era, broad anti-communist sentiments led to the blacklisting and persecution of many individuals based on vague and sweeping accusations. More recently, the implementation of SESTA/FOSTA laws, intended to curb sex trafficking, resulted in the shutdown of numerous online platforms and communities, disproportionately affecting sex workers and LGBTQ+ content creators. These laws, similar to the proposals in Project 2025, used broad definitions to justify extensive censorship and legal actions, demonstrating how such policies can stifle free expression and disproportionately impact marginalised communities (LGBTQ Nation) (Ebar).
These implications highlight the importance of understanding and opposing Project 2025’s measures, as they pose a significant threat to the rights and freedoms of transgender content creators and the broader LGBTQ+ community.
What This Means for My Substack and Readers
As an autistic trans woman, this Substack primarily deals with issues around autism. However, I also explore the significant intersection between neurodiversity and gender diversity. Project 2025 poses a direct threat to the content I share with my readers. The project’s broad definitions and policies equating “transgender ideology” with pornography could force me to mask a significant aspect of my identity from my work. This would effectively push my experiences and perspectives back into the closet, negating the openness and authenticity that this platform stands for.
The personal impact of Project 2025 on my Substack could be profound. Discussing my transition journey, the intersectionality of neurodiversity and gender diversity, and the challenges faced by the transgender community are integral parts of my content. These topics provide valuable insights and support to my readers, many of whom may be navigating similar experiences. If I am forced to censor or remove this content, it would diminish the depth and relevance of my Substack, depriving my audience of crucial information and a supportive community space.
The broader effects on the transgender and LGBTQ+ community are equally concerning. Project 2025’s proposals could lead to widespread self-censorship among content creators, educators, and public institutions. By criminalising the dissemination of ‘transgender-related materials,’ the project would stifle vital discussions, education, and support networks that are essential for the well-being of the LGBTQ+ community. This environment of fear and suppression would exacerbate the marginalisation and isolation of transgender individuals, undermining their rights and freedoms (Free Speech Coalition) (Southern Poverty Law Center) (Ebar).
In light of these threats, I urge you to stay informed about the developments surrounding Project 2025. It is crucial to support advocacy groups that are fighting against these regressive measures. Organisations like the Human Rights Campaign, the ACLU, and the Transgender Law Center are actively working to protect the rights of transgender individuals and the broader LGBTQ+ community. By staying informed, sharing information, and supporting these groups, we can collectively resist these harmful policies and safeguard our freedoms (Free Speech Coalition) (Ebar).
Bullying and silencing are never the way to foster a healthy and inclusive society. Knowledge is power, as my personal story demonstrates. By sharing our experiences and raising awareness, we can combat ignorance and prejudice, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their gender identity or neurodiversity, can live openly and authentically. Let us stand together against Project 2025 and any efforts to diminish our rights and freedoms.