Social media reacts to Donald Trump declaring that America will only recognise two sexes: “all those years of progression gone in an instant”

Donald Trump has declared that America will only recognise two sexes during his second inauguration into the White House today (January 20).

The move comes as part of a spate of executive orders that the new US president will sign on his first day back in the White House.

Trump confirmed the news in his inaugural speech, saying: “As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female,” as he appeared to muddle the terms “sex” and “gender”. Sex refers to biological characteristics of a human whereas gender refers to characteristics of male and female that are socially constructed.

His administration were clearer, however, indicating the President would sign an executive order today that would recognise two sexes only – male and female – and declare that they cannot be changed and that federal employers would need to use the term sex, not gender.

People have been reacting to the news on social media. One user on X wrote: “all those years of progression gone in an instant”, while another described it as a “step backward”. You can see some of the reactions here:

all of those years of progression gone in an instant

— poppy (@imnotpopbase) January 20, 2025

Imagine this being your priority over things like giving people healthcare, helping the environment or improving the minimum wage…

— Harv (@HarveyMcKenzie1) January 20, 2025

This executive order is a step backward in recognizing the diversity of human experience and identity. Gender is not binary. it's a spectrum that includes many identities beyond male and female. By enforcing a rigid definition, we're not only erasing the lived experiences of…

— Missed_Thrills (@Missed_Thrills) January 20, 2025

oh this is terrifying

— ella (@ellaaimagine) January 20, 2025

“There are only two genders – male and female.” Donald Trump, Inauguration Speech. I will always stand in solidarity with my trans and gender-diverse friends. Trans, non-binary or intersex, know that you are loved! #TransRightsAreHumanRights

— Philip Baldwin (@philipcbaldwin) January 20, 2025

Today, Donald Trump declared that there are only two genders: male and female. This statement disregards the lived experiences and identities of countless individuals who identify outside of this binary framework. As an advocate for LGBT rights, it's crucial to emphasize that… pic.twitter.com/MEi7j1M7wY

— Hans senfuma (@senfumahans) January 20, 2025

 

The order would block workplace requirements that transgender people use pronouns that align with their gender. It also targets America’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and ends their federal funding.

As per NBC, the gender order would be part of a policy Trump’s administration claim “[defends] women from gender ideology extremism and restoring biological truth to the federal government.”

The order will require federal government to use the term “sex” instead of “gender” while also directing the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security to “ensure that official government documents, including passports and visas, reflect sex accurately.”

Since 2022, Biden’s administration allowed Americans to select the gender-neutral “X” on their passports.

As per NBC, Jennifer C. Pizer, chief legal officer at Lambda Legal – a civil rights organisation that acts on behalf of LGBTQ Americans – said they expect many to file lawsuits against the administration over the executive actions.

She added: “The president can’t, with a wave of a pen, change the reality of who people are and the fact that we as a community of people exist. We have equal protection rights, just like anybody else does.”

Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBTQ+ rights advocacy group in the U.S., added: “…We will fight back against these harmful provisions with everything we’ve got.”

“We refuse to back down or be intimidated. We are not going anywhere, and we will fight back against these harmful provisions with everything we’ve got.”

This is a developing story – more to follow

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