President Trump declares "There Are Only Two Genders"

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the LGBTIQ+ community, America's new President, Donald Trump, has signed an executive order declaring that the U.S. government will recognise only two genders, male and female.

This action, taken on his first day in office, marks a significant shift in American federal policy and has raised serious concerns.

The executive order, which is part of Trump's broader "restoring sanity" agenda, includes several controversial measures:

• Mandating the use of "sex" instead of "gender" in all official government documents
• Prohibiting the use of taxpayer money for gender-transition medical care
• Emphasising "privacy in intimate spaces" in facilities like prisons and rape crisis centres
• Eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within federal agencies

This new position by America is expected to have far-reaching consequences for transgender and non-binary individuals:

• Federal identity documents, including passports, will no longer reflect gender identities beyond male and female.
• The future of "X" gender markers on U.S. passports, introduced in 2022, is now uncertain.
• Transgender people in federal prisons may be moved based on their sex assigned at birth rather than their gender identity.

LGBTIQ+ advocates argue that this policy will expose transgender people to increased harassment and discrimination in daily life. The inability to obtain accurate identity documents could hinder travel and access to essential services.

"US Official Policy Is There Are Only 2 Genders" Donald Trump

Legal challenges to these policies are anticipated, particularly regarding federal identity documents and housing in federal facilities.

As the LGBTIQ+ community grapples with this sudden policy shift, many are calling for solidarity and a renewed focus on community-building. Some activists emphasise the importance of having difficult, complex conversations within the community before engaging with broader society.

While the full implications of this executive order are yet to be seen, it's clear that the queer community in America face significant challenges ahead in the fight for recognition, rights, and equality.