The Trump administration has announced it will officially recognize only two genders, male and female, through a series of executive orders set to be signed on the president’s first day back in office.
This policy, described by the administration as a “common sense” initiative, will cease all federal funding and recognition of other gender identities. In his inaugural speech, President Trump stated, “As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female.”
The gender recognition will be determined biologically, based on whether individuals are born with eggs or sperm, rather than their chromosomal makeup. This new directive will mandate that facilities like federal prisons and shelters for migrants and victims of rape are segregated by biological sex according to these criteria.
Furthermore, this executive order will influence the issuance of federal documents, including passports, ensuring they align with this policy. It will also prohibit requirements in government facilities and workplaces for the use of pronouns corresponding to an individual’s gender identity, arguing that such mandates infringe upon First Amendment rights concerning freedom of speech and religion.
In a parallel move, another “common sense” executive order targets diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, terminating their federal funding. This includes plans for monthly meetings to review and potentially dismantle ongoing DEI initiatives across various agencies.
