“People died today,”: LGBTQ activists decry Trump’s gender decree - Video
Visitors at New York’s Stonewall Inn, a landmark in the modern LGBTQ rights movement, expressed concern and anger following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of new executive orders targeting gender identity policies.
In his inaugural address at the US Capitol, Trump declared, “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 announcement received an immediate backlash among LGBTQ advocates. “I’m worried that this will give them permission to deny life-saving benefits and recognition of, you know, medical needs and marriages and identification cards,” an LGBTQ rights activist told AFP.
Another community member highlighted the far-reaching impact of the policies: “People died today, and we need to remember that because that is huge. These announcements and these policy changes really affect people on a deep level that I don’t think most, like cisgender people, understand.”
Trump’s executive orders rescinded 78 measures introduced under former President Joe Biden, many of which promoted diversity and equality in government, workplaces, healthcare, and LGBTQ rights.
Among the repealed orders were initiatives supporting gender-affirming care and protections for transgender individuals in sports and other areas.
The move aligns with Trump’s broader criticism of what he calls “woke culture.” During his campaign, he repeatedly targeted gender diversity recognition and policies supporting transgender individuals, particularly transgender youth.
