New Presidency And Transgender Rights

Christopher Cruz | Contributing writer

Eastern Connecticut State University Pride Center - Photo Credit: Mackenzie Sheldon

Willimantic, CT - In early 2025, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders that significantly impacted transgender individuals. One of the most controversial moves was an order that redefined “sex” to only mean male or female, effectively eliminating the recognition of non-binary or gender diverse identities.

The order also told federal agencies to remove or stop funding anything related to gender identity, including documents that allowed transgender people to change their gender markers on things like passports and social security records.

Another order is focused on gender-affirming care for transgender youth, making it harder for minors to access treatments like hormone therapy or surgery. It stopped federal money from being used for these procedures and forced health programs like Medicaid and Medicare to stop covering them. This was part of a larger effort to limit the rights of transgender people and undo some of the protections that were put in place by previous administrations.

How Executive Orders Shape Gender Policy

In a societal aspect, sex is traditionally defined based on the biological characteristics at birth, such as chromosomes and reproductive anatomy. Gender, on the other hand, is understood as a social and cultural construct, including identity and expression beyond biological traits.

Over the span of 4 months, several executive orders have been issued to address sex and gender policies, shaping legal protections, federal documentation, and anti-discrimination measures. These particular orders have influenced various sectors including employment, education, healthcare, military service, making sure that gender identity and sexual orientation are recognized and protected under federal law.

Under these new directives, passports and other federal documents may no longer offer an “X” gender marker for non-binary individuals, requiring all applicants to select either “male” or “female”. As a result, transgender individuals would be issued documents reflecting their sex assigned at birth rather than their gender identity. This issue has already taken action as many transgender individuals have publicly stated that new driver licenses have been issued, passport applications have been denied, and birth certificates have to be changed.

Many argue that this legislation could create legal issues, mostly in states that already recognize non-binary gender markers on driver’s licenses and birth certificates. This would create administrative obstacles in travel, employment certification, and access to gender affirming services. These executive orders can also potentially mandate that transgender individuals in federal prisons could be housed according to their sex assigned at birth, rather than the gender they identify, an issue that has raised multiple safety concerns. This has been an overstepping issue especially in states like California.

This concern has turned many advocates to studies that show that transgender individuals particularly Transgender women are placed in men’s facilities, facing high rates of sexual violence and Harassment. Additionally, these inmates may lose access to gender affirming healthcare, such as hormone therapy, if federal policies cease to recognize gender identity as a legitimate factor in medical treatment.

The redefinition of sex under these new policies could weaken workplace protections for transgender and non-binary employees, especially those who work under federal contractors. This change additionally allows employers to bypass anti-discrimination rules that recognize gender identity.

However, this shift can permit healthcare providers and insurers to deny gender affirming treatments. Federal agencies may also no longer be required to cover medical services related to gender transition, which may limit access to essential care. These proposed changes are expected to trigger legal battles, with civil rights organizations preparing to challenge the executive orders in court. States that still run LGBTQIA+ protection laws may also find themselves at odds with federal policy, setting the stage for potential conflicts over legal rights and compliance.

Eastern’s Response

These federal policies have widely spread implications across sectors, including sports of course. Educational institutions and athletic organizations are now forced to reevaluate how they align with evolving gender related policies.

Over at Eastern Connecticut State University, Eastern’s Faculty and Staff have maintained their commitments to supporting transgender athletes by following NCAA guidelines on transgender participation. These guidelines, however, have shifted over the years. Initially, male-to-female athletes could compete on women’s teams after completing a year of testosterone suppression or other medical criteria. However, following the public debate surrounding athletes like Lia Thomas, the NCAA updated its approach to align with the international standards of each sport.

As of this year, the NCAA policy no longer allows MTF athletes to compete on women’s teams. Although this policy was updated, MTF athletes may practice on the team consistent with their gender identity and receive all other benefits applicable to student athletes who are otherwise eligible for practices. Despite these changes, Eastern has remained consistent in its support of transgender student athletes. According to Eastern’s Athletic Director Lori Runkmeier, when it comes to the safety measures for trans individuals, the university continues to respect athletes’ chosen names, pronouns, and locker room preferences offering the same resources and support provided to all athletes. Giving a safe and equal environment for those who are going through these governmental issues.

As debates over gender identity and federal policy continue to unfold, universities like Eastern are set examples of how persistent local support and inclusivity can be, though these regulations can be switched at any given time. While the national landscape remains uncertain for the LGBTQIA+ community as a whole, local commitment to dignity and equity continues to play a powerful role. For students and athletes at Eastern, that means being seen, supported and respected regardless of the regulation changes going on in Washington.