Trump’s Two-Sex Executive Order Sparks Confusion and Fear Among Transgender Ohioans

The recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, is causing confusion, fear, and distress among transgender Ohioans. The order stated that the U.S. government would recognize only two sexes—male and female—and that these sexes are “not changeable.” While the law has not yet officially changed, many fear its implications and the damage it may cause to transgender people’s lives and identities.

The Impact of Trump’s Executive Order

Trump’s order has sparked immediate concern in the transgender community, especially in Ohio, where many people are now uncertain about their rights. Dwayne Steward, the executive director of Equality Ohio, expressed that while transgender individuals have always been part of society and cannot be erased, the executive order has caused significant harm. This new development has created chaos for many, with some families even planning to leave the state or the country. Additionally, discussions about de-transitioning, or reversing a gender transition, have been growing, leading to serious mental and emotional distress.

“It’s creating real harm and confusion,” said Steward. “Families are making plans to leave, and people are considering de-transitioning, which could cause severe psychological trauma.”

The executive order states that “there are only two sexes,” and that gender ideology is inconsistent. It also claims that the idea of people being born in the wrong body is wrong. The statement argues that the traditional understanding of sex as male or female is grounded in “fundamental and incontrovertible reality.”

What Has Changed So Far?

Despite the order’s claims, experts argue that the legal system and policies have not changed yet. According to Dara Adkison, executive director of TransOhio, the order is nothing more than political propaganda. Although no new laws have been passed, many institutions are already taking action in response to the possibility of future policies. This has created confusion, and many people are facing unnecessary challenges, especially when it comes to updating official documents such as passports.

For example, the U.S. State Department recently stopped issuing passports with an “X” gender marker and has paused processing applications to change gender markers on existing passports. The executive order does not affect current passports, but people seeking to make changes to their documents are facing difficulties.

“The process is now unclear,” said Adkison. “People who are waiting for their updated passports have no idea what the next steps will be. We are just figuring it out, relying on crowdsourced information from state and national partners.”

The Fear of Preemptive Action

The uncertainty surrounding the executive order is leading to preemptive compliance in some areas. Various agencies are already restricting access to gender-specific identification, such as passports and state IDs. Steward mentioned that there have been reports of transgender individuals having their passports or IDs confiscated, creating a dangerous and unsafe situation for the community.

“Preemptive compliance is really troubling,” said Steward. “We’re hearing about people’s passports and IDs being taken away.”

This type of action is seen by many as an attack on transgender people’s rights and safety. Steward believes that the Trump administration is creating an environment where transgender people are being forced into hiding or being erased altogether.

“They’re trying to legislate us out of existence,” said Steward. “But we’ve always existed.”

Rising Mental Health Concerns

The Trump administration’s stance is also having a noticeable impact on the mental health of transgender people. The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth, reported a 33% increase in the volume of calls, texts, and chats to their crisis line on Inauguration Day, January 20. This increase continued into the following days, with a 46% rise on January 21 compared to the average daily volume.

“There’s a lot of fear,” said Adkison. “People are rightfully worried, and it’s not just about what could happen, but about the reality of what’s happening right now. We’re just trying to help people get through this.”

Excluding Intersex People

Another significant concern raised by Adkison is that the executive order excludes intersex individuals. Intersex people are those born with sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female. Estimates suggest that up to 1.7% of the population has some form of intersex trait. By focusing exclusively on the binary concept of male and female, the order completely ignores the reality of intersex people.

“Intersex people are real,” said Adkison. “They exist, and they are being excluded from this conversation.”

The erasure of intersex people further complicates the already difficult situation for transgender individuals, as it undermines the recognition of a diversity of sex and gender identities. Adkison emphasized that everyone, whether transgender or intersex, deserves recognition and respect for their identity, and that such an order further marginalizes vulnerable communities.

What’s Next?

While the executive order has caused confusion and fear, it has also sparked a broader conversation about the rights of transgender and intersex individuals in the United States. Advocacy groups and activists are pushing back against the policy, with many calling for legal action and mobilizing to ensure that the transgender community’s rights are protected.

Steward believes that transgender people will continue to fight for their rights, regardless of any political or legal setbacks. “Transgender people have always been here,” he said. “We’re not going anywhere.”

As the debate continues, transgender Ohioans and their allies will likely remain on high alert, working to protect their rights and to ensure that they can live freely and openly without fear of erasure or discrimination.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.

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