President Donald Trump, on Monday, signed a sweeping executive order that recognizes only two sexes and changes the government's policies on gender and diversity---an order that follows through on promises he made while campaigning.
The order, titled "Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government," mandates that the U.S. government will officially recognize only two sexes: male and female. These are defined as immutable biological classifications that cannot be changed. Under the law, Americans will no longer be able to select "X" as a gender marker on passports and require federal identification documents to reflect the holder's biological sex.
The order also instructs federal agencies to eliminate any statements or policies promoting gender ideology or using "gender identity" in federal government communications.
Furthermore, it blocks federal agencies from using taxpayer funds for gender transition services for inmates.
What the 'Two Gender' Order Means for Trans and LGBTQ Kids
Monday's order could lead to the repealing of an Obama-era guidance that protected the rights of transgender students to use facilities and participate in activities matching their gender identity. It could also lead to the elimination of training programs on gender identity and inclusion in schools, per Education Week.
Additionally, the order directs federal agencies to exclude transgender people when enforcing laws that protect against sex discrimination. This means trans and LGBTQ youth could be more vulnerable to discrimination in various settings, according to The 19th News.
What Could Happen Next?
More orders impacting trans rights could be coming, with senior administration officials saying the "two-gender" policy is only the first step. On the campaign trail, Trump promised to ban gender-affirming care for minors and bar trans student-athletes from competing on sports teams matching their gender identity.
Roughly 3% of high school students identify as transgender, while 2.2% are still questioning their gender identity, per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Trump has also threatened to remove federal funding for schools with trans-inclusive curricula.
On Inauguration Day alone, the Trevor Project---a suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth---saw a 33% in the number of calls it received compared to prior weeks.
