President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday intended to ban transgender athletes from participating in girls' and women’s sports.
The order, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,†gives federal agencies, including the Justice and Education departments, wide latitude to ensure entities that receive federal funding abide by Title IX in alignment with the Trump administration’s view, which interprets “sex†as the gender someone was assigned at birth.
President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu take questions during a news conference in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
“With this executive order, the war on women’s sports is over,†Trump said at a signing ceremony.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the order “upholds the promise ofÌýÌýand will require “immediate action, including enforcement actions, against schools and athletic associations†that deny women single-sex sports and single-sex locker rooms.
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The timing of the order coincided with National Girls and Women in Sports Day, and is the latest in a string of executive actions from TrumpÌý.
Trump found during the campaign that his pledge to “keep men out of women’s sports†resonated beyond the usual party lines. More than half the voters surveyed byÌýÌýsaid support for transgender rights in government and society has gone too far.
He leaned into the rhetoric before the election, pledging to get rid of the “transgender insanity,†though his campaign offered little in the way of details.
Protesters against transgender rights demonstrate Dec. 4 during a rally outside of the Supreme Court in Washington.
The order offers some clarity. For example, it authorizes the Education Department to penalize schools that allow transgender athletes to compete, citing noncompliance with Title IX, which prohibits sexual discrimination in schools. Any school found in violation could potentially be ineligible for federal funding.
The order also calls for private sporting bodies to meet at the White House so the president can hear in person “the stories of female athletes who have suffered livelong injuries, who have been silenced and forced to shower with men and compete with men on athletic fields across the country.â€
It's the Trump administration's latest move to limit the rights of the transgender population.
The Rev. Mitch Doyen, pastor of St. Josephine Bakhita parish, testified before the Missouri House Emerging Issues committee on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. 'I am not afraid to image a world more profound than male or female," he said. Video provided; edited by Beth O'Malley
Previous ones sought to have the federal governmentÌýÌýto a gender other than the one assigned at birth. That has implications for areas including passports and prisons.
Trump also opened the door toÌýÌýfrom the military; called to end federal health insurance and otherÌýÌýfor transgender people under age 19 and restrict the way lessons on gender can beÌý.
Already, transgender peopleÌýÌýover several ofÌýÌýand are likely to challenge more of them in court.
Civil rights lawyers who are handling the cases asserted that in some instances, Trump’s orders violate laws adopted by Congress and protections in the ConstitutionÌý— and that they overstep the authority of the president.
There could be similar questions for this order, for instance: Can the president demand that the NCAA change its policies?
NCAA President Charlie Baker told Republican senators in December that the organization would follow federal law. The NCAA did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.
The order came a day after three former teammates of transgender swimmer Lia Thomas filed a lawsuit accusing the NCAA, Ivy League, Harvard and their own school, Penn, of conspiring to allow Thomas to compete at conference and national championships.
The lawsuit, which makes similar allegations of that filed last year by Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines and others, alleges the defendants violated Title IX by allowing Thomas to swim “and acted in bad faith.†Gaines joined Trump for the signing ceremony.
Associated Press writers Darlene Superville, M.L. Price, Geoff Mulvihill and Eddie Pells contributed to this report.
5 simple ways you can make bathrooms safer for trans and nonbinary people
5 simple ways you can make bathrooms safer for trans and nonbinary people
For many trans and nonbinary people, bathrooms can be complicated places to navigate — a fact highlighted by in Oklahoma.Ìý
Oklahoma is far from an outlier when it comes to failing to provide safe and equitable bathrooms for transgender people. According to the Movement Advancement Project, which tracks LGBTQ+ policy, prevents transgender people from safely or legally using public bathrooms.Ìý
But data shows that even in states with trans-friendly policies, transgender and nonbinary people report high rates of harassment in public bathrooms. Advocates say everyday people can have a big impact in interrupting discrimination in gendered restrooms. shows how anyone can help prevent abuse.Ìý
Acknowledge that bathrooms can be scary, and help locate safe options
Sex-segregated restrooms have historically been a hostile space for Tat Bellamy-Walker, a Seattle-based journalist and Black gender-fluid trans person. In graduate school and at journalism internships, they had to go far out of their way to find all-gender single-stall restrooms they could use safely.Ìý
"You never forget being told you don't belong in a restroom, you never forget not having a place to dispose of sanitary products if you're on your period in the men's bathroom," Bellamy-Walker said. "It's just clear you do not belong in public spaces."
Allies can help tremendously by locating and pointing out gender-neutral bathrooms to friends or family who might need them. This is especially important for people planning events or parties. Make sure your space has safe bathrooms.
Offer to be a bathroom buddy to your trans and nonbinary friends
Carrie Soto, a South Dakota parent of a transgender child, said she lives by the mantra "see something, say something."
That means speaking up when there is bullying and harassment and volunteering to accompany a trans/nonbinary friend or family member when they have to head into a public bathroom.Ìý
"Validate a trans person's fears and anxiety about the situation," Soto said. " If [my daughter] uses a gendered restroom and feels anxious, I go with."Ìý
Make trans and nonbinary people welcome if you see them in bathrooms
It may seem obvious, but transgender health advocate Jamison Green notes this step can really help trans people feel safe. Consider first that according to , 59 percent of trans people avoided using a public restroom due to fear of harassment. Data from said they were physically or verbally attacked while trying to use a bathroom, while 4 percent were denied access to a bathroom.Ìý
"If you see someone who you clock as trans or nonbinary, just smile or pay them a non-provocative compliment. … Wish them good day or good evening, and move on," Green said. "Of course that only goes for the women's room! In the men's room, talking is extremely rare."
Green recommends that cisgender people offer a kind, silent nod.
Ask for more gender-neutral options
Twenty-two states and Washington, D.C., allow residents to opt for "X" gender markers on their IDs in addition to selecting "M" or "F." Still, in every state, regardless of laws, most bathrooms in government buildings, schools, businesses, places of worship and cultural institutions are gendered.Ìý
Advocates say people can help change this by simply asking businesses and building owners for more options to accommodate all genders.
"Advocacy is the most important part of the fight for transgender rights," "And if employers adopt pro-trans policies proactively, instead of waiting for a transgender person to pave the way, there's much less chance of having problems down the line."
Try to leave single-stall gender-neutral bathrooms free unless you need them
The internet is full of rants not appropriate for a news article about people using the only single-stall gender-neutral bathrooms available not for safety but for … well, pooping. As a result, gender-neutral bathrooms, especially in airports, are almost always occupied.
There are many reasons why a cisgender person might need a single-occupancy bathroom (accessibility, illness, child care and, yes, even a little more privacy). Just like accessible stalls, it's a kindness to leave gender-neutral restrooms unoccupied when you don't need them.ÌýÌýÌý
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Growing trans population sparks need for senior housing geared to LGBTQ+ community
Morgan Mayfaire, a transgender man, second from left, hosts a community gathering for a food distribution event at TransSOCIAL, Thursday, July 27, 2023, in Miami. “I have friends that have retired and they’ve decided to move to retirement communities. And then, little by little, they’ve found that they’re not welcome there,†says Mayfaire.ÌýÌý
Rajee Narinesingh, a transgender woman, holds a photograph of herself as a child, Thursday, June 29, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. In spite of several roadblocks, the 56-year-old Florida actress and activist has seen growing acceptance since she first came out decades ago.ÌýÌý
Rajee Narinesingh speaks about her life during an interview at her home, Thursday, June 29, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Narinesingh, 56, faced struggles throughout her life as a transgender woman, from trying to get government documents like passports to the lasting effects of black market silicone injections that scarred her face.ÌýÌý
Tiffany Arieagus, a transgender woman, performs at The Pub, Saturday, July 29, 2023, in Wilton Manors, Fla. “I just am going on my 71 years on this earth and walking in the civil rights march with my mother at age six and then marching for gay rights," Arieagus says. "I’ve been blessed enough to see so many changes being made in the world. And then now I’m having to see these wonderful progressions going backwards.â€Ìý
Andrea Montanez sits in her office in the Hope Community Center, Thursday, June 22, 2023, in Apopka, Fla. Florida's law has already created obstacles for Montanez, an LGBTQ+ immigration organizer. Montanez, 57, said her prescription for hormone therapy was initially denied after the restrictions were signed.ÌýÌý
Andrea Montanez sits in her office in the Hope Community Center, Thursday, June 22, 2023, in Apopka, Fla. Florida's law has already created obstacles for Montanez, an LGBTQ+ immigration organizer. Montanez, 57, said her prescription for hormone therapy was initially denied after the restrictions were signed. “I hope I have a happy retirement, but health care is a big problem," Montanez says.Ìý
Rajee Narinesingh, a transgender woman, wipes away a tear as she speaks about her life during an interview at her home, Thursday, June 29, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. “Every now and then I have like this thought, like, oh my God, if I end up in a nursing home, how are they going to treat me?†Narinesingh says.ÌýÌý
Rajee Narinesingh, a transgender woman, looks out from a doorway of her home, Thursday, June 29, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. “If you see older transgender people, it shows the younger community that it’s possible I can have a life. I can live to an older age,†she says. “So I think that’s a very important thing.â€Ìý
Tiffany Arieagus, a transgender woman, stands next to a photograph of herself after receiving an award at the opening reception of "Take PRIDE! A Retrospective of LGBTQ+ Life in South Florida" exhibit, Wednesday, May 31, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Arieagus, 71, an acclaimed drag performer in south Florida, also works in social services for SunServe, an LGBTQ+ nonprofit.ÌýÌý
A collage features images of Tiffany Arieagus, a transgender woman. “I just am going on my 71 years on this earth and walking in the civil rights march with my mother at age six and then marching for gay rights," Arieagus says. "I’ve been blessed enough to see so many changes being made in the world. And then now I’m having to see these wonderful progressions going backwards.â€ÌýÌý
Tatiana Williams, 51, executive director of the Transinculsive Group, sits for a portrait in her office, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Wilton Manors, Fla. Williams, 51, has painful memories of a time when she and other members of the transgender community had to rely on dangerous and illegal sources for gender-affirming medical care. “What we don't want is the community resorting to going back to that,†Williams says.ÌýÌý
Tatiana Williams, 51, a transgender woman, left, and Tiffany Arieagus, 71, a transgender woman, right, stand together for a photo at the Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival, Saturday, June 17, 2023, in Wilton Manors, Fla.ÌýÌý
A placard supporting transgender rights is shown at the Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival, Saturday, June 17, 2023, in Wilton Manors, Fla.ÌýÌý
Adrianna Tender, program coordinator for the Transinclusive Group, looks out from a float sponsored by several transgender groups during the Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival, Saturday, June 17, 2023, in Wilton Manors, Fla. A battle over transgender people’s rights in the United States has focused attention mostly on youth. But for many transgender seniors, it’s brought new fears to their plans for retirement and old age.ÌýÌý
Reading material and a placard sit on a table at the office of TransSOCIAL, Thursday, July 27, 2023, in Miami. The organization works to promote unity and increase transgender understanding in the community. About 171,000 of the more than 1.3 million transgender adults in the United States are aged 65 and older, according to numbers compiled by the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law.ÌýÌý
A speaker wears shoes advocating for love, peace and freedom during the opening reception of "Take PRIDE! A Retrospective of LGBTQ+ Life in South Florida" exhibit, Wednesday, May 31, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.Ìý
An American flag flies with a pride flag outside of a home in Wilton Manors, Fla., Thursday, June 29, 2023.Ìý
Tiffany Arieagus, a transgender woman, second from left, rides on a float during the Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival, Saturday, June 17, 2023, in Wilton Manors, Fla. Arieagus, 71, is an acclaimed drag performer in south Florida also works in social services for SunServe, an LGBTQ+ nonprofit.ÌýÌý
A spectator waves pride flags during the Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival, Saturday, June 17, 2023, in Wilton Manors, Fla.ÌýÌý
Lee Forte, a resident at Stonewall Gardens pauses while playing Bingo in the LGBTQ+ assisted living facility, Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, in Palm Springs, Calif. A handful of states, including California, have in recent years enacted laws to ensure that LGBTQ+ seniors have equal access to programs for aging populations and requiring training on how to serve that community.ÌýÌý
Lauren Kabakoff Vincent, right, interim executive director of Stonewall Gardens, talks with resident Billy Kurch at the LGBTQ+ assisted living facility, Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, in Palm Springs, Calif. The center's staff are required to go through sensitivity training to help make the center a more welcoming environment for residents, Vincent says. The training is key for making a more accepting environment for transgender residents and making them feel more at home.ÌýÌý
John Schmidt, center, joins fellow residents in a game of Bingo at Stonewall Gardens, a LGBTQ+ assisted living facility, Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, in Palm Springs, Calif. The number of services such as nursing homes and assisted living centers that are geared toward serving the LGBTQ+ community is increasing, though such facilities remain uncommon.ÌýÌý
Stonewall Gardens employee Brian Trout, second from left, leads a game of Bingo with residents of the LGBTQ+ assisted living facility, Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, in Palm Springs, Calif.ÌýÌý
Robert Lopez, right, a driver for Stonewall Gardens, opens a door for resident Alex Smariga at the LGBTQ+ assisted living facility, Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, in Palm Springs, Calif. About 171,000 of the more than 1.3 million transgender adults in the United States are aged 65 and older, according to numbers compiled by the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law.ÌýÌý
Resident Alex Smariga walks past a pride flag while returning from a physical therapy session at Stonewall Gardens, a LGBTQ+ assisted living facility, Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, in Palm Springs, Calif. The number of services such as nursing homes and assisted living centers that are geared toward serving the LGBTQ+ community is increasing, though such facilities remain uncommon.Ìý
Resident Billy Church, in wheelchair, is helped into a van headed for a group lunch at Stonewall Gardens, a LGBTQ+ assisted living facility, Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, in Palm Springs, Calif. About 171,000 of the more than 1.3 million transgender adults in the United States are aged 65 and older, according to numbers compiled by the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law.Ìý
