Statement from the LGBTQIA+ Caucus Regarding Gender Executive Order

Government does not determine gender. People do!

Despite this fact, Donald Trump issued an Executive Order on January 20, 2025, that purports to protect the rights of women by declaring that sex is determined at conception and that gender and sex are the same thing. There are numerous scientific, medical and psychological studies showing that sex determination at conception is not always the case, people's experiences with gender identity differ, and gender is a vast spectrum. Just because something involves some aspects of a mental state does not mean it is any less real or valid. (The American Psychological Association has some great resources on the topic.)

Not only is there no medical or scientific basis for this Order,but also it is flawed because it does not protect any women's rights and, in fact, puts such rights in further jeopardy. Protecting women’s rights has never been Trump's goal. He has been found liable in New York for sexual assault for pushing E. Jean Carrol into a women's dressing room and groping her, then defaming her by lying about the event. He was convicted of 34 felonies related to his activities to silence adult film actress Stormy Daniels regarding his affair with her while he was married to his third wife Melania. Trump appointed Supreme Court Justices who removed the rights of people to make their own decisions about their health care and reproductive choices.

As a Caucus, we urge the Democratic Party and all federal andstate agencies to not implement this flawed Order. We recognize the identity, value and dignity of transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people. Nothing the federal government does or says under Donald Trump will change these principles.

If you or someone you know is in need of support around issues of gender identity, here are some places to go.

• Transgender Resource Center at UNM
• LGBTQ Resource Center at UNM
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
• The Trevor Project