Transgender people in the United States are rushing to legally change their name and gender with the help of volunteer lawyers due to concerns the community's civil rights could be threatened under the administration of president-elect Donald Trump.

In a race against the clock, transgender people have been connecting on Twitter using the hashtag #TransLawHelp with lawyers offering to help them make the changes free of charge before Trump takes office on Jan 20, 2017.

Last week's victory for Trump has left many transgender advocates fearing a backlash against their community after the Republican candidate sent mixed messages on transgender rights during the campaign.

Trump's choice for vice-president, Mike Pence, has rankled many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights activists who are wary of the current Indiana governor's years of opposition to gay rights.