In a move described by the Trump administration as “common sense,” the United States government has announced it will only recognise two genders: male and female. This policy will define gender based on biological attributes such as the presence of eggs or sperm at birth, rather than on chromosomal or personal identity factors.
The controversial decision is part of a sweeping executive order aimed at reshaping gender policies nationwide. It also signals the termination of all federal funding or recognition for gender identities that fall outside the male-female binary. The administration claims the order restores clarity and simplicity to the nation’s understanding of gender.
Critics, however, argue that the policy disregards the rights and identities of transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals, sparking outrage among LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and human rights organisations.
This was one of the first major orders issued by Donald Trump upon his return to the presidency. On the same day, Trump granted nearly 1,600 pardons related to individuals involved in the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021. Many of those pardoned are expected to be released within hours of the announcement.
The move has reignited intense debates over the intersection of science, identity, and policy. For many, the decision represents a step backward in the fight for equality and inclusion in the US.
