What You Need to Know About Trump’s New Anti-Trans and Non-Binary Executive Orders
How the new rules could impact millions of lives

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the nation's LGBTQ+ community, President Trump’s Day One executive orders targeting transgender Americans have been signed.
In addition to an order reinstating a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, Trump signed an executive order entitled “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” This sweeping directive represents one of the most comprehensive attempts to erase trans recognition at the federal level.
Here's what the trans, non-binary and allied community needs to understand about what's at stake.
The Big Picture
Let's be clear: this order isn't just another piece of anti-trans legislation — it's an attempt to fundamentally rewrite how the federal government recognizes and treats transgender people. The language here is chillingly familiar to anyone who knows their LGBTQ+ history. Just look at the title's emphasis on "defending" and "restoring," echoing the same inflammatory rhetoric used against civil rights movements of the 1960s.
By framing trans existence as an "attack" on women and institutions, it pulls from the same playbook used against gay marriage, when opponents claimed they were "defending the sanctity of marriage." Even the order's strategic focus on trans women while conspicuously ignoring trans men mirrors historical tactics of singling out specific groups as threats to society. These aren't just words — they're calculated choices that tap into decades-old patterns of resistance to civil rights progress.
What's Really in This Order?
Identity Documents Under Attack
Remember the progress we made with federal “X” gender markers and updated passports? That's all on the chopping block. The order demands that federal documents, including passports and visas, reflect only what the administration is calling “biological sex.” We've seen similar policies in states like Florida and Texas, where some of our community members have already had their driver's licenses revoked. The federal impact could be even more far-reaching. Here in Michigan, state ID and birth certificate laws, including two newly signed laws, should remain unaffected unless Republican legislators seek to change them.
Federal Spaces and Facilities
The order takes direct aim at trans people's access to federal spaces, including national parks, Smithsonian museums, federal airports and VA hospitals — all places where our community could face new restrictions and discrimination. It's reminiscent of the bathroom bills we've fought against, but on a national scale.
Detention and Incarceration
For our incarcerated trans siblings, the situation is particularly dire. The order mandates sex-based housing in federal facilities and cuts off funding for gender-affirming care. We've already witnessed the devastating effects of similar policies in states like Florida, where incarcerated trans women have faced forced haircuts, confiscation of personal items and have been forced into state-sponsored conversion therapy.
Workplace Rights at Risk
The order attempts to weaponize the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) — yes, the very agency meant to protect workers — against trans employees using facilities that match their gender identity. While similar attempts have failed at the state level, this federal push demands our vigilance.
Rolling Back Progress
In a particularly cruel move, the order aims to strip away vital protections:
- Title IX guidance protecting trans students
- Anti-bullying protections in schools
- Workplace discrimination protections
- Guidelines protecting intersex youth
What Trump's Executive Orders Mean for the Michigan Trans and Non-Binary Community
While this order is undeniably alarming, it's crucial to understand that many of these changes won't happen overnight. Implementation will take time, and you can bet there will be legal challenges every step of the way. Our community has faced similar attacks before, and we've always responded with resilience and unity.
What You Can Do Now
1. Stay informed but don't panic. Many of these changes will face significant legal hurdles before implementation.
2. Keep your current documents safe. If you've been considering updating any federal documentation, consult with LGBTQ+ legal resources about timing.
3. Connect with advocacy organizations like the ACLU and Lambda Legal. They'll be leading the charge in challenging these measures.
4. Support one another. Our community's greatest strength has always been our ability to come together in the face of adversity. Visit Affirmations, Stand with Trans, MiGen and other local LGBTQ+ resources in person or attend an online support group.
Remember, we've weathered similar storms before. From Stonewall to the AIDS crisis to marriage equality, our community has faced seemingly insurmountable challenges and emerged stronger. This moment calls for that same resilience, unity and determination to fight for our right to exist and thrive authentically.
Our history shows that hate doesn't win in the long run. While this order represents a serious challenge, it's also a reminder of why we must continue fighting for true equality and recognition. The path forward may be difficult, but our community has never backed down from a fight for our rights and dignity.