Following his inauguration on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President Trump signed an executive order making it the policy of the United States to only recognize two sexes, male and female. This order has been met with immediate backlash as it denies trans and nonbinary identities and threatens associated legal protections. One of the explicit consequences of this order is the removal of protections for transgender individuals within federal prisons.
The LGBTQ+ community and its allies, including pop star Ariana Grande, took to social media to voice their protest. Grande reposted messages from the non-profit organization Advocates for Trans Equality on her Instagram Stories, expressing concern over the incoming administration's campaign against trans people's lives, healthcare, and dignity. Many are preparing for what they believe will be further attacks on the community.
In response to Trump's claim in his inaugural address that "there are only two genders: male and female," a podcast host named Matt Bernstein emphasized that queer and trans people have always existed and will continue to do so, regardless of any attempts to erase their identities. Bernstein stated that their existence should not be up for debate, comparing it to the rising of the sun.
Ariana Grande has long been a vocal ally to the LGBTQ+ community, and in a love letter she wrote to the community in 2018, she praised their courage and expressed her gratitude for the joy and love they bring to the world. She emphasized that love should be inclusive and not limited by gender, sexuality, race, religion, age, or creed.
In conclusion, President Trump's executive order denying trans and nonbinary identities has caused outrage and concern among the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. They are determined to continue fighting for their rights and protecting each other, regardless of attempts to erase their existence. Ariana Grande, along with other supporters, stands with them and aims to create anthems that celebrate and uplift the community.
