Alan Cumming Condemns U.S. Treatment of Transgender People

On July 21, 2025, actor and advocate Alan Cumming transformed his guest-hosting appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! into a forceful call for solidarity with transgender Americans, criticizing what he described as the “absolutely heinous” treatment of transgender people in the United States. Addressing a national audience, Cumming did not mince words, stating, “The US treats rapists better than trans people,” and highlighting the hypocrisy of political leaders who have launched repeated attacks on transgender rights .

Cumming’s monologue came in response to a series of executive orders and public statements from President Donald Trump, who has made rolling back transgender rights a cornerstone of his administration’s social policy. These actions include bans on medically-backed healthcare for transgender youth, restrictions on military service for transgender individuals, and the repeated assertion that there are only "two sexes" .

Cumming drew a sharp contrast between the criminal allegations faced by Trump—including sexual misconduct allegations and a recent order to pay substantial damages to a woman who accused him of sexual assault—and the unfounded accusations the president and other politicians have levied against transgender people. “How dare this president make random, unfounded accusations of sexual criminality against trans people when he was literally ordered to pay $83 million to a woman who accused him of sexual assault,” Cumming declared, denouncing what he described as “the pot calling the kettle black” .

The actor went on to reference the now-famous 2016 Washington Post recording in which Trump boasted about grabbing women without consent, arguing that such examples demonstrate how those in power are often excused for serious offenses while minorities are scapegoated .

Cumming’s remarks come during a period of heightened legal and social pressure on transgender Americans. According to LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, the past few years have seen a sharp increase in anti-transgender legislation at both state and federal levels. Recent policies have sought to restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare, limit participation of transgender youth in sports, and curtail the ability of transgender people to update identification documents to reflect their gender identity .

In his monologue, Cumming acknowledged the emotional toll these measures take on transgender people, stating, “I can’t imagine what it must be like to be a trans person knowing that the government is trying to legislate that you do not exist. What kind of country are we in where we take rights away from people?” .

Supporters and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups quickly applauded Cumming’s candor and solidarity. Social media platforms saw a surge of positive messages, with many noting the importance of high-profile allies speaking out during a challenging time for the transgender community. “Visibility and allyship from public figures like Alan Cumming can have a big impact, especially when so much misinformation is circulated about transgender people,” said an official from a national LGBTQ+ rights organization .

Cumming has a long history of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, both in his native Scotland and the United States. In a January interview, he described anti-transgender governmental actions as “awful” and expressed deep concern for the well-being and dignity of transgender Americans .

The issues addressed by Cumming are not unique to the United States, but his remarks have reignited debate over the direction of American civil rights policy and the responsibilities of elected officials. Advocacy groups point out that increased political attacks have real-world consequences, including heightened risk of violence and discrimination faced by transgender people .

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, Cumming’s speech was a reminder of both the challenges ahead and the necessity of vocal support from allies. As legislative sessions continue across the country, activists urge allies and community members alike to remain vigilant and engaged in the fight for equality.

Alan Cumming’s powerful use of his platform on national television underscored the urgency of supporting transgender rights and holding leaders accountable for discriminatory policies and rhetoric. As the political landscape continues to shift, voices like Cumming’s serve as both a rallying cry and a call to action for all who believe in dignity and equality for every person.