Donald Trump's "Only Two Genders" Policy and Its Impact on the United States

President-elect Donald Trump has reignited debates on gender and LGBTQ+ rights in the United States by pledging to enforce policies based on the belief that there are "only two genders." At the recent AmericaFest event in Phoenix, Trump vowed to ban transgender individuals from the military, remove transgender topics from schools, and end what he described as "wokeness" in the country.

Approximately 1.3 million adults and 300,000 youth identify as transgender in the U.S., and many now feel under siege. Trump announced plans to sign executive orders targeting transgender issues, including banning gender-affirming care for minors and barring transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.

The Trump campaign reportedly spent $65 million on anti-transgender advertisements, framing his policies as a fight against "woke culture" and for "common sense." His speech in Phoenix, lasting over 90 minutes, also addressed broader conservative issues such as critical race theory and religious liberty, all while claiming these policies would usher in a "golden age" for America.

These proposals have already had tangible effects. LGBTQ+ mental health crisis hotlines reported a 700% surge in calls following Election Day, highlighting the distress caused by the political climate. Additionally, Trump's policies would affect an estimated 15,000 transgender military personnel, forcing them out of service and preventing new enlistments.

Trump's stance has drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and allies, who argue these policies erode human rights and deepen divisions in society. However, supporters, including Turning Point USA's Charlie Kirk, view his election as a divine act and endorse his efforts to reshape the cultural and political landscape of the United States.