After top surgery, Ashton Colby was stuck in bed, unable to move his arms or do simple tasks.
By his side through it all was his father, Rick Colby — a conservative Republican who stood by Ashton when he came out as transgender and underwent gender-affirming surgery at 19.
“He was in the hotel room with me, helping me drink protein shakes when I couldn’t use my arms. He’s made a life-or-death difference in my life,” said Ashton, now 32.
In the months leading up to coming out in 2012, Ashton feared rejection from his family. But instead, his dad became his biggest supporter, attending therapy sessions and doctor’s appointments to ensure he got the care he needed to live as his true self.
But now, Rick finds himself in conflict with the party he once voted for.
In 2024, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order cutting federal funding for healthcare providers offering gender-affirming care to minors. Although the order targets youth, it’s already impacting adults like Ashton, as clinics fear losing federal support and are pausing care altogether.
Ashton’s Ohio clinic, which he’s relied on since 2015, recently warned patients they might have to travel to Pennsylvania for treatment if the order moves forward.
“I’ve been really scared that, even as an adult, my care could be taken away or made harder to access,” Ashton said.
The executive order has caused chaos across the country. Many clinics temporarily stopped care, even in states where gender-affirming care is legal. Though two federal judges have paused the order, the future remains uncertain.
For patients on puberty blockers or hormone therapy, interruptions can cause serious medical risks. One pediatric doctor, who spoke anonymously due to safety concerns, said families are already scrambling to secure prescriptions or even considering moving out of the country.
Despite being a lifelong Republican, Rick can’t support the Trump administration’s attack on transgender people.
“I agree with almost everything Trump is doing — except when it comes to transgender people,” Rick said.
His love for his son has brought them closer, even as their political views differ.
“At the end of the day, my priority is keeping my child alive and happy. That’s what matters,” he said.
For Ashton, gender-affirming care allowed him to finally feel at peace in his body. But the fear of losing access to that care weighs heavily on him and many others in the trans community.
“I shouldn’t have to have an exit plan with my provider,” Ashton said. “But that’s the reality we’re facing.”
Rick often faces backlash from fellow conservatives when he speaks out in support of his son.
“They tell me, ‘That doesn’t fit the narrative,’” Rick said. “But to me, this isn’t about politics — it’s about truth and humanity.”
Ashton once considered moving to a more progressive state for better protection. But in the end, he chose to stay in Ohio — because of the love and support he feels from his father.
“Because he’s had to say it publicly over and over again, I feel it even more deeply,” Ashton said. “With him, I feel safe.”
