Weaponized Fear: How Anti-Trans Bans Threaten Us All | Yasemin Smallens

In this urgent episode of Violet Rage, Dr. Matt Salmon speaks with Yasemin Smallens, LGBT Rights Officer at Human Rights Watch, about the devastating human cost of U.S. bans on gender-affirming care. As the Supreme Court prepares to rule on United States v. Skrmetti — a case that could enshrine the first-ever constitutional ban on trans healthcare — Matt and Yasemin unpack the deeper stakes: the erosion of medical ethics, the weaponization of fear, and the authoritarian playbook threatening the rights of all Americans.

This conversation goes beyond headlines to expose the real harm inflicted on trans youth, families, providers, and the ethical backbone of civil society. Whether you’re trans, queer, an ally, or simply a human who cares about freedom, this episode will challenge you to reflect, rise, and resist.

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00:01 – Intro: Framing the fight for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

02:22 – Why the voices of trans youth, families, and providers must be centered

04:29 – The human cost: Stories of loss, fear, and resilience under care bans

07:16 – The mental health crisis created by state policy

12:03 – What gender-affirming care really looks like (beyond the political myths)

17:12 – The authoritarian contradiction: “Small government” intruding into families

21:12 – Downstream risks: Gaps in care, rise of harmful providers, healthcare collapse

25:55 – Conversion therapy’s rebrand as “exploratory therapy”

30:25 – Why all Americans should care (even if they’re not directly impacted)

32:06 – The political weaponization of fear

34:31 – What a Supreme Court ruling could mean for broader bodily autonomy

35:55 – Stories of unexpected community support and hope

42:37 – Tangible takeaways for allies, advocates, and professionals

47:25 – Resilience vs. thriving: Why survival isn’t enough

50:40 – Expanding the conversation: Who really receives gender-affirming care?

51:56 – Closing reflections: This is a human rights issue, not just an LGBT issue

52:17 – Outro: The revolution is survival + liberation + evolution