Massachusetts is often seen as one of the more welcoming states for transgender people because of access to gender-affirming health care and antidiscrimination laws, among other protections. But young trans adults say in today’s environment, that’s not enough.

“There is no amazing place to be a trans person in the U.S.,” said Julie Shapiro, 29, a trans woman who lives in Somerville. She noted instances of transphobia in Massachusetts as well as other states.

Shapiro was joined by three other young trans adults on the GBH video series Politics IRL to talk about life as a transgender person in the current political climate.

In his second term in office, President Donald Trump has issued a number of executive orders targeting the trans community, including declaring the existence of only two genders, seeking to ban trans athletes in women’s sports, and cutting funding for gender-affirming care.

The panel of Massachusetts residents said the Bay State has been a good place to come out and find community, but they called for more support.

They noted concerns around hate speech online and general hostility toward trans people, especially over hot-button issues such as sports and bathrooms.

Ethan Einhorn, 24, said he avoids public restrooms whenever possible. “I’m always afraid of — even in Boston or even Massachusetts — having a problem in the bathroom.”

Feeb Om, 24, said the trans community can face negativity no matter where you are. “There’s a lot of stigma around being trans. Like it’s weird, it’s freaky. And people might not say that outright, but there’s still that underlying connotation around the word 'transgender.’”

Another panelist, 25-year-old Gabriel Joy Reid, shared concerns about life after college and how they will be treated in the professional world.

“It worries me as someone who’s about to graduate ... because I see so much hostility on the internet and on social media,” Reid said.

The group of young trans people said they don’t feel genuine support from Democrats or Republicans, but rather the biggest support comes from fellow members of the LGBTQ+ community.

The panelists agreed they need allies now more than ever, and asked that others speak up against transphobia, even in casual conversation and call out anti-trans rhetoric. They asked for support for local organizations and advocacy groups that work with the trans community.

In the Politics IRL video series, we give young voters the opportunity to sit face to face and talk openly about the topics that motivated them to vote — or not — in the 2024 general election. They choose what to discuss. We get to see their politics — in real life. If you are a young voter, or know of one who may want to participate in our series, please connect with lead producer Alexi Cohan via email at  alexi_cohan@gbh.org.