US President Donald Trump’s newly signed executive order recognising only two genders—male and female—has triggered widespread criticism, particularly from LGBTQIAP+ activists.
Ritash, co-founder of RANG Foundation, a pan-India intersectional queer-trans collective, called the move “disappointing and outrageous.” The policy, effective immediately, reflects Trump’s long-held stance to roll back protections for gender-diverse communities.
“This is not just about pronouns; it’s about invalidating identities,” said Ritash, who identifies as gender-fluid and uses they/them pronouns. They highlighted how the policy disregards intersex individuals, who constitute at least 1.7 per cent of the global population and are legally recognised in some countries like Germany.
A regressive step for inclusion
The order rolls back rights for intersex individuals and others who fall outside the binary framework, signalling a trend toward completely erasing vulnerable communities. Ritash pointed out that Tamil Nadu recently began releasing data on the number of intersex births, setting an example of inclusion.
“This move ignores biological evidence and sociocultural diversity,” Ritash remarked. Trump’s actions are seen as not only undermining LGBTQIAP+ rights but also paving the way for the marginalisation of other minority groups, including immigrants, veterans, and people with disabilities.
The policy’s impact on institutions like the military is particularly alarming. Protections introduced during the Biden administration, such as allowing trans individuals to serve openly, could now be reversed.
‘Protecting women’ or sowing division?
Trump claims the order is meant to protect women by addressing so-called “gender ideology extremism”. However, Ritash criticised this narrative as “ridiculous” and divisive. They explained how the policy pits cisgender women against trans women, undermining solidarity within the broader gender equality movement.
“Women can be queer, lesbian, or trans. What does protecting women even mean in this context?” Ritash questioned. Activists argue that the policy weaponizes the concept of protection to justify exclusion.
Far-reaching implications
The policy’s repercussions extend beyond individual identities, affecting education, healthcare, and workplace protections.
“This is not just about one group; it’s about erasing fundamental rights for all vulnerable communities,” Ritash warned. They noted how similar policies, like the “Bathroom Bills”, which is state-specific, disproportionately target trans individuals under the guise of public safety. Trump’s policy seems to have its roots in these ‘Bathroom Bills’.
Globally, the policy could influence other right-wing governments. In India, for instance, the dismissal of a marriage equality petition by a reconstituted Supreme Court bench has drawn parallels with Trump’s regressive stance.
If America, which saw the historic Stonewall Uprising in 1969 can bring in such a policy, what will happen in India where just last week the Supreme Court dismissed the marriage equality petition without a discussion.
Fighting back
While Trump’s order poses significant challenges, civil rights organisations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and activists worldwide are mobilising. ACLU has already begun preparing litigations to challenge the order. Public awareness campaigns and legal battles are underway to counter the rollback of rights.
Ritash emphasised the importance of resilience: “This is a step backwards, but it’s not the end. We must fight with dignity, inclusion, and joy.” They urged communities to use creative activism to make their voices heard, both in courtrooms and public spaces.
Broader message
The executive order reflects a troubling erosion of democratic principles, with implications for global human rights. Ritash urged citizens worldwide to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding inclusion.
“Inclusion is not a favour; it’s a fundamental right. We must push back against policies that threaten equality,” they concluded.
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