The U.S. government is gearing up to recognize only two genders—male and female—under a new executive order expected to be signed by President Donald Trump. This move would roll back recent efforts to expand gender identity options, including the "X" marker on passports introduced during the Biden administration. During his inaugural address, Trump announced, “As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female.” This step fulfills a key promise from his campaign, focusing on what he calls “defending women from gender ideology extremism.” Under the order, federal agencies will shift from using the term “gender” to “sex,” defining it as an individual’s “immutable biological classification.” Official documents like passports and visas will need to reflect this change, ensuring that sex is “accurately” recorded. Additionally, spaces like federal prisons, migrant shelters, and rape crisis centers will be required to maintain single-sex areas for privacy. The policy also extends to federal messaging and funding. Agencies will no longer promote “gender ideology” in communications, and grants or contracts will be reviewed to ensure federal dollars aren’t used to support such initiatives. This decision marks a sharp reversal from the Biden administration’s push for inclusivity. Since 2022, U.S. citizens have been able to choose “X” as their gender marker on passports without needing medical documentation. The State Department had emphasized its commitment to serving all citizens, “regardless of gender identity.” Similarly, the Social Security Administration had begun allowing Americans to update their gender markers without medical proof, though its systems still require a male or female designation. Officials had been exploring ways to include an “X” option, but Trump’s order could halt these efforts. The debate over gender recognition continues to spark strong reactions, with this latest move likely to fuel further discussions about identity, privacy, and equality in the U.S. ---