The False Promise of the Executive Order
President Trump’s executive order is framed as a measure to protect women, but it does little to address real issues facing women, such as pay inequality, access to healthcare, or protections against gender-based violence. Instead, it weaponizes the language of women’s rights to target transgender individuals, particularly transgender women. This tactic is not only divisive but also dangerous, as it reinforces harmful stereotypes and pits marginalized groups against one another.
Women’s rights advocates have widely criticized the order for its failure to address substantive concerns. Organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union have highlighted that true gender equity cannot be achieved by erasing or excluding transgender people. Policies that claim to protect women while denying the rights of others are ultimately hollow and regressive.
The backward step taken by this executive order is not only harmful, but it also stands in direct contravention with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County, 590 U.S.___ (2020) in which the highest Court of the land ruled that discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation is prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The executive order diminishes the ruling of the Court to a “misapplication” by the prior administration and directs the attorney general to issue guidance and assist agencies in “protecting sex-based distinctions.”
In other words, it directs the attorney general to prioritize the enforcement of policies that emphasize traditional sex-based distinctions, which avoids the application of protections established by the Supreme Court in Bostock. By reframing the Bostock decision as a “misapplication” and focusing on biological sex as determined at birth, the executive order raises serious questions about whether it aligns with the anti-discrimination mandate of Title VII as interpreted by the Court.
The Retreat from DEI: Compounding the Harm
The attack on gender identity in federal policy is mirrored by the ongoing corporate rollback of DEI initiatives. Recently, many companies have scaled back DEI programs, citing political backlash, budget cuts, or unfounded fears that these initiatives favor unqualified candidates. This harmful narrative perpetuates the myth that inclusion and merit are mutually exclusive—a notion that is as damaging as it is untrue.
DEI initiatives are not about favoring the incompetent; they are about ensuring equitable access to opportunities and removing systemic barriers that disproportionately affect marginalized groups. Research consistently shows that diverse teams are more innovative, effective, and successful, underscoring the value of inclusion not just as a moral imperative but as a driver of excellence.
For transgender individuals—particularly those who are asylum seekers or members of other vulnerable populations—DEI initiatives can mean the difference between being included and being invisible. The rollback of these programs not only limits opportunities but also signals a broader cultural rejection of diversity, further compounding the harm caused by policies like President Trump’s executive order.
The United States and Iran: Binary Systems of Control
As someone who fled Iran’s oppressive system, I am struck by the parallels between the enforcement of gender binaries in Iran and the policies now taking shape in the United States. In Iran, transgender individuals are legally recognized, but this recognition is coercive. Gay men and lesbians are often pressured to transition as the only way to conform to the state’s rigid binary framework. Transgender recognition in Iran is not rooted in acceptance but in enforcing conformity to heteronormative and binary ideals.
President Trump’s executive order, while vastly different in context, similarly enforces a binary framework by denying the existence of gender diversity altogether. By erasing gender identity from federal policy, it perpetuates a system of exclusion and denial. Both approaches—coercion in Iran and erasure in the United States—stem from a refusal to acknowledge the full complexity of human identity.
The Key to Progress
As someone who has benefited from asylum and the opportunities it provides, I know that legal protections are only part of the solution. True progress requires a cultural shift that values diversity as a strength rather than a threat. This includes challenging the harmful narratives that underpin policies like President Trump’s executive order and the rollback of DEI initiatives.
Rejecting the myth that DEI favors incompetence is a crucial step. By fostering inclusion, we strengthen our institutions, workplaces, and society as a whole. Inclusive policies do not lower standards—they raise them by ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to contribute their talents and perspectives.
For transgender asylum seekers and others who face systemic barriers, cultural acceptance is just as important as legal recognition. Visibility, empathy, and solidarity are critical to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
President Trump’s executive order and the rollback of DEI initiatives represent a dual assault on the progress made by marginalized communities. These actions perpetuate harmful myths, deny the reality of gender identity, and reinforce systems of exclusion.
True equality will only be achieved when we reject the false dichotomies that pit marginalized groups against one another and embrace the full spectrum of human identity. By fostering cultural change, advocating for inclusion, and resisting harmful narratives, we can build a future where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is a reality, and no one is left behind. Together, we can ensure that the promise of equality and dignity remains alive for everyone.