US president Donald Trump’s executive order that requires the use of the term ‘sex’ rather than ‘gender’ is one of concern, though not surprising.
For those familiar with The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, this move was anticipated. The executive order appears to undermine the advocacy efforts of the transgender movement in the US by failing to recognize and respect the diversity of gender identities.
It represents a significant setback, rolling back decades of progress in understanding and embracing human diversity. This order risks excluding non-binary, transgender and perhaps intersex individuals, which is going to lead to increased discrimination and transphobia even in healthcare systems and other government agencies.
I honestly hope LGBTQ+ advocates, rights movements, and allies continue to educate and push for policies that respect everyone’s identities. I also worry that this is going to affect diversity programs in workplaces, schools, and other institutions that have protected LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination, bullying, and harassment for so long.
In general, this is most likely going to create more stigma towards the transgender community globally. The policy could set a worrying precedent, as the US is often seen as a leader in human rights.
Countries with less progressive views on LGBTQ rights might feel emboldened to adopt similar policies, while LGBTQ movements in other parts of the world may be inspired to resist and push back against such regressive measures. I am glad that international human rights organizations have already criticized the order and sparked an outrage around the globe.
When it comes to Uganda, this executive order may create additional legal and practical barriers for LGBTQ asylum seekers. By requiring a strict binary interpretation of ‘sex,’ the order could make it more difficult for transgender and non-binary individuals to successfully apply for asylum based on their preferred gender, as they may not fit into the male/female categories defined by the policy.
This will mean that transgender people will have to go back to the closet and be forced to choose the gender they are not comfortable with and this applies to official documents too, therefore limiting their gender expression. This could result in increased discrimination, delays, and even denials of asylum applications.
What’s more, the executive order may empower anti-rights groups in Uganda to do more harm to the already vulnerable community; we are already seeing politicians and anti-rights groups in Uganda celebrating and calling for even harsher punishment for homosexuality.
Additionally, there is not much understanding of these executive orders locally here in Uganda; they are misinterpreted by the media and social media political analysts, who have generalized them as punishment for homosexuality. This may radicalize Ugandans further into violating the rights of LGBTQ+ persons.
Uganda already has a history of persecuting LGBTQ individuals, with the present Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) that criminalizes same-sex relationships and strong societal opposition to LGBTQ rights. The US, despite its own struggles with LGBTQ rights, still holds significant influence globally.
If the US adopts a restrictive stance on gender identity, it could be seen as a validation of Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ policies, emboldening political leaders and other actors who use LGBTQ issues as a way to rally support from conservative religious and political groups.
Ugandan politicians may seize on the US’s approach to justify even more severe treatment of LGBTQ individuals, potentially leading to further marginalization, violence, or new laws that criminalize gender non-conformity. The psychological impact could be profound Stanbic has packaged home loan offers of up to 100% financing at a 15% interest rate, payable in 25 years.
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This situation could further diminish their hope for a better and more accepting future. Already, the speaker of parliament celebrated Donald Trump’s win and stated that the sanctions against Uganda are gone, including her being banned from entering the US after fuelling the passage of the Anti- Homosexuality Act 2023.
On a personal note, as a human rights activist, this could increase the opposition I face because of the perception that LGBTQ rights are not fundamental human rights. It will empower the anti-gay and anti-rights campaigners.
However, I also see this as an opportunity to strengthen my resolve. We are a community that fights and resists. This policy may push me to work even harder to amplify the voices of the LGBTQ community, both in Uganda and beyond. It paves the way to collaborate with local and international organizations to increase awareness and mobilize for change, calling for global solidarity.
On the other hand, I am concerned that although I do not receive direct government funding from the United States, funding for human rights and health services, particularly for marginalized communities, will be negatively impacted. It is crucial for other countries to step up immediately and increase their support for these communities.
We have come a long way as a movement—from living in the shadows to coming out and making our voices heard. This is another challenge, but we will overcome it. We are a community that builds very strong movements and fights against hate and discrimination. We shall resist.
With continued solidarity, lobbying, and advocacy, better days lie ahead. Aluta continua—the struggle continues.
The author is a human rights advocate and Nobel Peace Prize nominee