Executive Orders Target LGBTQ Citizens

With the incoming administration discriminating executive orders were issued that target our LGBTQ community. The most despicable is entitled "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism & Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government" that declares there are only 2 sexes male & female a claim that ignores both science & lived experience. This exclusionary policy erases critical anti-discrimination protections from transgender people, disregards gender diversity & enforces a narrow definition of sex on government documentation including passports. Dr. David J. Johns, CEO & Executive Director of the National Black Justice Collective (NBJC) stated, “Simply put, President Trump’s executive orders mark a dangerous turning point for our nation. They represent a deliberate effort to divide the country, erode civil rights protections & make it permissible to target the most vulnerable among us. The impact of these actions will be far-reaching, leaving communities more vulnerable to violence, poverty & systemic injustice….” Ricardo Martinez, Executive Director of GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law) concluded, “The administration is trying to create fear & sow chaos by its statements & orders, but no executive action can change the fundamental truth that transgender people are vital members of our families & communities. Like all people, transgender people deserve dignity, respect & the freedom to live without fear of government-sanctioned harm. A president’s powers are not unlimited – the Constitution, federal courts & our democratic system serve as a bulwark against government overreach. The implementation of today’s order & others that may follow, cannot happen overnight. GLAD Law will use every tool we have to fight for LGBTQ+ people’s rights & for fairness and dignity. We will defend the fundamental principle that equal protection under the law is guaranteed – without exception.”