On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14168, titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” This order mandates that the federal government recognize only two immutable biological sexes, male and female, as determined at conception. It directs federal agencies to replace the term “gender” with “sex” in official materials, cease funding for gender-affirming care, and prohibit the use of gender self-identification on federal documents such as passports. Additionally, it bars transgender individuals from accessing single-sex facilities that align with their gender identity in federally funded spaces.
The executive order has been met with significant criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, who argue that it undermines the rights and recognition of transgender and non-binary individuals. Organizations like the Human Rights Campaign have expressed strong opposition, stating that the order serves to harm LGBTQ+ families and communities.
In a related action, on February 5, 2025, President Trump signed another executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” This order aims to uphold Title IX by prohibiting individuals assigned male at birth from participating in women’s sports. It directs the Department of Justice to enforce this policy and calls for the convening of private sporting bodies to address concerns related to fairness and safety in women’s athletics.
These actions reflect the administration’s stance on gender identity issues and have sparked widespread debate regarding their implications for civil rights and equality.
The Truth About Biological Sex
Biological sex is not determined at conception in the way the order implies, and the science behind such claims is deeply flawed.The Science of Biological Sex Determination
1. At Conception
A fertilized egg carries either an XX (typically female) or XY (typically male) chromosomal combination, but this alone does not determine sex development.
Early in embryonic development, all embryos follow a “default” pathway that is more female-like until specific genes (like SRY on the Y chromosome) activate, directing male differentiation.
2. Beyond Chromosomes – Complexity of Sex Development
Sex is determined by a range of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors throughout fetal development, not at the moment of conception.
Intersex conditions (which occur naturally in up to 1.7% of births) demonstrate that sex is not binary. Some individuals have XXY, XYY, XO, or other chromosomal variations that don’t fit neatly into the traditional male/female categories.
Androgen exposure in utero can affect sexual development, meaning that chromosomal sex does not always align with external or internal anatomy.
Flaws in the Executive Order’s Reasoning
Legally and scientifically, “sex” and “gender” are not interchangeable. The federal government has long recognized gender identity as distinct from biological sex, following medical and psychological consensus.
It is impossible to determine “biological truth” at conception because sexual differentiation happens weeks to months later.
Rigid definitions of sex ignore natural biological diversity, including intersex people and those whose hormone levels do not match binary classifications.
Political and Social Implications
This order is less about science and more about imposing a political ideology that aims to roll back LGBTQIA+ rights and erase transgender identities from legal recognition. It could have serious consequences, including:
- Denying trans and intersex people accurate identification.
- Restricting access to gender-affirming healthcare.
- Encouraging discrimination by reinforcing an outdated and scientifically incorrect view of sex and gender.
This isn’t just ignorant—it’s a deliberate attempt to weaponize pseudoscience against marginalized communities.
What Can We Do About It?
There are several actions the public can take to push back against this kind of policy and advocate for scientific accuracy, LGBTQIA+ rights, and bodily autonomy.
1. Legal and Policy Advocacy
Contact Lawmakers: Call or write to members of Congress and local representatives, urging them to oppose policies that erase transgender and intersex rights.
Support Legal Challenges: Many civil rights organizations, such as the ACLU, Lambda Legal, and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), regularly challenge anti-LGBTQIA+ policies in court. Donations, petition signing, and spreading awareness help these legal battles.
Demand Transparency: Pressure the administration to provide a scientific and constitutional justification for this order through public records requests (via the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA).
2. Public Awareness and Media Action
Speak Out on Social Media: Hashtags and coordinated campaigns have successfully shaped public discourse on issues like this.
Engage Journalists: Write op-eds, letters to the editor, or directly contact reporters to ensure accurate, science-based reporting on the implications of these policies.
Fact-Check and Share Resources: Counter misinformation with educational resources from medical, psychological, and human rights organizations.
3. Direct Support for Impacted Communities
Support LGBTQIA+ and Intersex Organizations: Groups like PFLAG, The Trevor Project, InterACT (focused on intersex rights), and GLAAD provide advocacy, legal support, and mental health resources.
Fund Gender-Affirming Healthcare: Policies like this may cut off medical access for many. Donating to trans healthcare funds can help individuals navigate restrictions.
Protect Trans and Intersex Youth: Schools may feel pressured to comply with restrictive definitions of sex and gender. Parents, teachers, and students can organize at the local level to ensure inclusivity remains in school policies.
4. Economic Pressure
Call on Corporations to Take a Stand: Many companies have diversity and inclusion policies that contradict these government actions. Public pressure can push them to oppose discriminatory policies publicly.
Boycotts and Consumer Action: Historically, economic pressure has been a powerful tool against unjust policies, especially when companies or states stand to lose business.
5. Protest and Civil Disobedience
Peaceful Demonstrations: Public protests, rallies, and marches draw attention and increase media coverage.
Legal Acts of Resistance: State and local governments, universities, and institutions can refuse to implement federal directives that contradict their values (as seen with sanctuary cities and abortion protections).
Direct Action: Organizing sit-ins, school walkouts, or other forms of civil disobedience can escalate pressure on decision-makers.
Final Thoughts
This executive order is a political tool, not a scientific or ethical policy. The more loud, visible, and coordinated public resistance becomes, the harder it will be for this administration to enforce and sustain these restrictions.
Here are specific resources to help you contact your legislators and connect with LGBTQIA+ advocacy organizations in Indiana:
Contacting Your U.S. Senators and Representatives
1. U.S. Senators
Website: Visit the U.S. Senate’s official website to find contact information for your state’s senators.
Phone: You can reach the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. A switchboard operator will connect you directly with your senator’s office.
2. U.S. House of Representatives
Find Your Representative: Use the House’s “Find Your Representative” tool by entering your ZIP code to locate your congressional district and representative.
Phone: Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 225-3121 to be connected to your representative’s office.
3. Additional Resource
USA.gov: The USA.gov “Find and Contact Elected Officials” page provides comprehensive contact information for federal, state, and local elected officials.
LGBTQIA+ Advocacy Organizations in Indiana
These links are for organizations in Indiana, but most of them have offices in every state.
1. Indiana Youth Group (IYG)
Description: Provides support services, leadership development, and social opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth.
Website: https://www.indianayouthgroup.org/
2. Indy Pride, Inc.
Description: Organizes events and programs to support the LGBTQ+ community in Central Indiana.
Website: https://indypride.org/
3. The LGBTQ Center
Description: Dedicated to promoting LGBTQ+ experiences and inclusivity in Northern Indiana.
Website: https://www.thelgbtqcenter.org/
4. ACLU of Indiana – LGBTQ Rights
Description: Advocates for the legal rights of LGBTQ individuals in Indiana.
Website: https://www.aclu-in.org/en/issues/lgbtq-rights
5. Indiana Legal Services – Low-Income LGBT Project
Description: Offers legal representation, consultation, and advice to low-income LGBTQ individuals.
Website: https://www.indianalegalservices.org/
6. GenderNexus
Description: Provides support groups and counseling for the transgender and non-binary community.
Website: https://gendernexus.org/
7. PFLAG Crown Point
Description: Offers support for LGBTQ individuals and their families in the Crown Point area.
Website: https://pflag.org/chapter/pflag-crown-point
8. LGBTQ Northwest Indiana
Description: Focuses on advocacy and support for the LGBTQ community in Northwest Indiana.
Website: https://www.lgbtqni.com/
9. Michiana Social Justice Coalition
Description: A coalition addressing social justice issues, including LGBTQ rights, in the Michiana region.
Website: https://www.michianasjc.org/
10. The Partnership for Education and Prevention of Substance Abuse (PEPSA)
Description: Works to reduce substance abuse harms in St. Joseph County, with inclusive programs for the LGBTQ community.
Website: https://www.thepartnershipsjc.org/
Engaging with these organizations can provide avenues for advocacy, support, and community involvement. They often offer resources, events, and action alerts to keep you informed and active in promoting LGBTQIA+ rights and well-being.
By contacting your elected officials and collaborating with local advocacy groups, you can contribute to efforts opposing policies that undermine LGBTQIA+ rights and promote inclusivity and equality in your community.
