BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – The federal government no longer recognizes non-binary people. That’s outlined in a new executive order from President Trump.
Direction from the White House may change how the federal government classifies gender, but Em Russo from the Vermont Pride Center is not changing anything about themselves.
“We’ve been here forever and we’re not going anywhere,” said Russo.
Right after his inauguration, President Trump signed a slew of executive orders, one of them titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology, Extremism, and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.”
“As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female,” Trump said during the signing.
The Williams Institute at UCLA estimates roughly 1.2 million Americans identify as non-binary. Under President Biden, the Department of State permitted an “X” marking for sex on federal identification documents. Trump’s policy means this is no longer an option. What that means for people who already have an “X” on their passport, or what other effects the executive order might have, Russo is unsure.
“We know that not knowing information really leads to more anxiety,” said Russo.
Outright Vermont released a statement saying the order also targets the larger transgender community, saying quote, “Although there are checks and balances in place to slow sweeping changes from these actions, there is no question that they are attacks on our values, our community, our dignity, and the dignity of people we love. ”
Whether or not this order will have direct impacts on the non-binary and transgender community, Russo is certain that the cultural impact could foster a dangerous environment for gender non-conforming children and adults, but shares that support from the Pride center will remain.
“There are folks doing the work to have your back and protect you as much as possible during these uncertain times,” said Russo.