Trump’s Plan to Recognize Only Two Genders Sparks Backlash from LGBTQ+ Advocates

President-elect Donald Trump has declared intentions to formally acknowledge just two sexes in the United States: male and female, in a move already sparking strong controversy. Trump said in a statement that many in the LGBTQ+ community find very unsettling that this is a vital step in bringing the country into line with his future agenda. He also promised to eradicate the promotion of LGBTQ+ ideas, which he characterised as "contrary" to the path his government plans to follow.

The revelation is a very disturbing reminder of the struggles LGBTQ+ activists have previously battled as well as of those still to come. With his remarks, Trump signals early on that his government would target safeguards for sexual orientation and gender identity, therefore perhaps paving the path for a reversal of hard-earned rights for the LGBTQ+ population.

Trump's divisive comments are considered as the most recent episode in a protracted pattern of anti-LGBTQ+ vitriol defining his first campaign and presidency. Trump has sided with conservative ideas and leaders who have long supported limiting LGBTQ+ liberties during his presidency. Since Trump's triumph has confirmed his dominance in the White House and combined with a GOP-majority Senate might open the path for big legislative changes, many LGBTQ+ groups are actually preparing for an even harsher second term.

Trump openly expressed his contempt for transgender rights in the run-up to the election and voiced opposition to non-binary pronouns, which he said to be "irrelevant" to the typical American. Targeting transgender problems, the Republican Party also massively invested—over $215 million—in commercials meant to fan concerns about what they claimed to be the "radical" drive for gender inclusiveness. That anti-trans messaging investment was meant to appeal to voters who feel alienated by the rising acceptance of several gender identities.

For many LGBTQ+ Americans, Trump's revised policies might be disastrous. Should his government implement these policies, gender and sexual orientation rights may stop growing or worse, existing legislation may be reversed. For example, protections instituted by the Obama administration—such as those ensuring transgender people their ability to serve in the military, or to receive healthcare free from discrimination—could be revoked.

The effects on transgender and non-binary people, who already encounter great difficulties in a culture that is sometimes not entirely supportive or understanding of their experiences, particularly worry many LGBTQ+ activists. Trump's focus on defining gender just as male or female could result in more marginalisation and discrimination, therefore depriving many vulnerable groups of the protections they have so laboratively sought.

LGBTQ+ rights organisations are getting ready for what might be a difficult—and maybe even regressive—period as Trump's second term unfolds. Should important LGBTQ+ rights campaigns be reversed, the community is unsure about the particular issues Trump might give top priority. The suggested change towards a more conservative, less inclusive definition of gender points to a key struggle over civil rights that will probably rule the political scene in the next months and years.

LGBTQ+ Americans are holding their breath right now, hoping their views will be heard in the upcoming political conflicts. One thing is clear though: the fight for equality is far from finished.

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