Within the first week after taking office, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at defining the beginnings of his presidency. Multiple orders centered on gender and sexuality. As the concept of gender expands in the United States, Trump sought to restrict transgender individuals' access to their identities, healthcare and equality. The rhetoric established in Trump’s executive orders shows a worrying future for the country, especially in its complete rejection of transgender identity and expression.
Trump's executive order “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” is a notable example of his extreme rhetoric. According to the White House, the order seeks to “defend women’s rights and protect freedom of conscience” while declaring that gender identity is “disconnected from biological reality” and not a meaningful way to identify a person.
The first part of the order boldly declares protection of women’s rights, referring to the transphobic idea that transgender women inherently put cisgender women in danger. Most often, people voice such a concern when a transgender woman uses a women’s restroom or plays on a women’s sports team.
The order also dictates how gender can be used to identify other people. After decades of people searching for inclusive words in the English language, the concept of gender has become more fluid. Instead of embracing that concept, the Trump Administration looks to destroy it outright.
The Williams Institute estimates around 1.6 million people older than 13 years old identify as transgender in the U.S. To millions of people, Trump’s rhetoric endangers their ability to stay safe in public settings or identify themselves without repercussion.
Another executive order from the Trump Administration, “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation,” promotes more dangerous actions to be taken against transgender Americans.
In the order, the Trump Administration demonizes gender-affirming healthcare. According to the White House, such healthcare, especially when applied to youths, casts it falsely as a “tragedy” that such healthcare endangers the ability to conceive children. Further, the White House affirms that such healthcare is a “dangerous trend” that “will be a stain on our Nation’s history.”
If the Trump Administration truly cared to protect American youths, it likely would not consider their identity and ability to conceive children in the same sentence. It is important to note that the administration defines children as 19 years old and younger.
Such a morbid fascination with gender identity endangers the very groups the Trump Administration claims to protect. It is important to acknowledge the role of advocacy today. The rise of apathy will only give more power to miseducation. It is important to stay informed about new legislation and executive orders to engage in meaningful discussions with others.
There are millions of people whose rights are being stripped away slowly with each piece of dangerous rhetoric. Advocacy may be one of the few tools left to stop transphobic policy.
If there ever was a definition of what is considered “American,” Trump has shown clearly that his actions are not. Transgender people deserve a place in American society. They are not invisible. A president who claims to “protect” the rights of all people would surely say the same.
Aiden is a freshman studying journalism. Please note that the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Aiden? Reach him on Instagram at @aiden_with_an_i_ or email him at ar260223@ohio.edu.
