By Isaac Akugizibwe,
WASHINGTON DC
Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, marking what he described as the beginning of a “new golden age.”
Speaking to an audience that erupted in applause and cheers, many standing as he addressed the nation, Trump outlined his immediate plans through a series of executive actions. Among these was a declaration that the United States would officially recognize only two genders: male and female.
“As of today, it will be official policy of the US government that there are only two genders, male and female,” Trump announced.
He criticized the government’s previous focus on incorporating race and gender into “every aspect of public and private life” and pledged to put an end to such policies.
Background on Transgender Rights in the USA
Same-sex marriage has been legal in the United States since 2015 when the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges extended marriage equality to all 50 states.
Before this ruling, some states had already legalized same-sex marriage, starting with Massachusetts in 2004.
The U.S. has also been seen as a leader in advancing transgender rights, with experts estimating that transgender individuals represent approximately 2% of the global population.
However, Trump’s policy threatens to reverse progress for those identifying as transgender, gender-fluid, or nonbinary, not just in the U.S. but potentially influencing global attitudes as well.
Understanding Transgender Identity
A transgender person is someone whose gender identity differs from the biological sex they were assigned at birth. For example, a person born biologically male who identifies as female is transgender, as is a person born biologically female who identifies as male.
The term “transgender” also encompasses individuals who identify as gender-fluid or nonbinary. Those who undergo gender reassignment surgery may also identify as transsexual.
Some definitions extend the term to include transvestites (cross-dressers), though this is subject to interpretation.
Global and U.S. Trends in Transgender Identity
According to the World Population Review, as of 2024, Germany and Sweden have the highest rates of transgender identification, with approximately 3% of their populations identifying as transgender, gender-fluid, or nonbinary.
In the United States, previous research indicated that about 1% of the population identified as transgender or nonbinary. However, this figure has been rising, especially among younger generations.
A 2022 Pew Research Center study revealed that roughly 1.6% of Americans and 5% of young adults identified as transgender or nonbinary.
Broader Implications of Trump’s Policies
Trump’s stance poses significant challenges for transgender individuals, both domestically and internationally. His administration’s declaration could undermine the rights of a marginalized community and set back decades of advocacy for equality.
In addition to his gender-related policies, Trump declared a state of emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, pledged to deport all undocumented immigrants, and vowed to make America “color-blind.”
These sweeping promises signal a sharp turn in U.S. policy under Trump’s second administration.
