On the first day of his second presidential term, President Donald Trump signed several executive orders.
One of the most controversial orders deals with gender identity.
The order declares the Federal Government will only recognized two sexes: male and female. It would also block any requirements for government facilities and workplaces to use pronouns that best align with a transgender person’s identity.
Those in favor of the executive order say it protects women from gender extremism, while those against say it dehumanizes and harms the transgender community.
Kassandra Forsman is a transgender woman, Marine veteran and Board Member of Spokane Pride, a nonprofit that promotes and empowers Spokane’s LGBTQ+ community.
She said the executive order is particularly upsetting to see as a veteran.
“I fought in two wars and served 20 years defending our rights, and now those same people are trying to take those rights away,” Forsman said.
Others in Spokane said the order is one of the reasons they voted for Trump.
“He’s trying to restore America based on our ideals and morality, and we should and we do stand behind him 100%,” Rob Linebarger of Spokane County GOP said.
Linebarger is also a veteran and said the order isn’t personal.
“It’s in the reproductive system. What is your function, I would say. I think that simplifies it,” he said.
But for Forsman and other members of the LGBTQ+ community, it is personal.
“Basically, it’s telling people that their identity is not valid, that who they are is not valid. It can have very bad mental health effects that people need to watch out for,” Forsman said. “We just need to stay together, help each other and remember that there are resources out there. You’re not alone.”
Spokane Pride said they are hopeful the courts won’t allow the order to move forward and they expect the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to step in and fight it.
Below, find a list of resources for those affected by the recent executive order:
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