Gender may not be changed in official documents • “Sends a signal that it’s okay to discriminate”
Donald Trump began his second period as US president by signing a number of different presidential decrees with calls to federal authorities. Several decisions that the former president, Joe Biden, have taken up at the same time.
For the LGBTQ group, this means several changes-and mainly for transgender people. According to one of the decisions, the US government should now only recognize two genders: man and woman. Thus, it should no longer be possible to change the sex in official ID documents, as a passport.
Several decisions on transgender people are torn up
An earlier decision that transgender people should be able to serve in the army is being torn down – as well as a previous decision to fight discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation.
This week, Trump also signed the presidential decree that stops transgender people from competing in women’s and girl competitions in sports in the United States.
One of the decisions concerns persons who serve sentence in federal prisons, who should no longer be able to receive gender -affirming care with state funds.
Chanel Lopez, who has long campaigned for transgender rights, says the decisions are expected.
– It is eradication, that means we are deleted. It has great consequences. It not only affects me, it affects my brothers and sisters. My transport siblings who are out there. I have done my operations, but I think of the next generation, what will happen to them? she says.
All programs on diversity end
In the United States, Trump’s decision to terminate all programs on diversity, equality and inclusion has also received a lot of attention.
Among LGBTQ people, the reactions have been strong and many see it as a first step for the new administration to put a stop to additional rights.
– This sends a signal that it’s okay to discriminate. We have seen an increase in calls to auxiliary numbers, especially those available for trans and queer persons have received more calls than they usually receive, says drag artist Marti Cummings in New York.
More rights can be withdrawn
Several believe that the first measures from the White House should be seen as a warning that more rights for LGBTQ people can change in the future.
– We have seen so many progress and are now being drawn back very quickly. I really don’t think there will be any queer rights left in four years. In fact, I don’t think there are any in a year. It’s really scary, says Marti Cummings.
According to CNN, several organizations that work to strengthen LGBTQ rights in the United States have prepared to have the decisions tested in court.