The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) marked Pansexual and Panromantic Pride Day with a social media post celebrating inclusivity and respect, prompting a backlash from Trump supporters. The post, which encouraged a world where everyone feels “proud to be themselves,” was met with hateful comments and sarcastic jabs, particularly from prominent conservative figures.
The HHS graphic, shared on 8 December, highlighted the importance of recognizing pansexual people, a segment of the LGBTQ+ community defined by their attraction to individuals regardless of gender. However, responses from Trump allies—including Stephen Miller and Matt Walsh—branded the initiative as “woke nonsense,” with many vowing that such messages would end once president-elect Donald Trump takes office.
“Sanity is returning to HHS in 43 days,” wrote Miller, echoing sentiments among other Trump-aligned critics. Matt Walsh added that pansexual people “do not deserve to be seen, respected or supported,” showcasing the hostile rhetoric the LGBTQ+ community continues to face.
The backlash is a stark reminder of the challenges ahead for LGBTQ+ rights under a Trump administration. Civil rights organizations have raised concerns over anticipated policies that could reverse decades of progress. ACLU representatives warn of potential escalations in anti-discrimination rollbacks, targeting federal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Despite the vitriol, the HHS post also garnered support from allies celebrating the visibility it offered. For many pansexual and panromantic individuals, such recognition from a federal agency represents a meaningful step toward normalization and acceptance, even as opposition looms.
With less than two months before Trump’s inauguration, the incident foreshadows the political and cultural battles likely to define his administration’s approach to LGBTQ+ rights.