The U.S. government is preparing 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 would replace the term “gender” with “sex,” defined as an individual’s “immutable biological classification.” Official documents like passports and visas would need to reflect this change, ensuring they “accurately” display a person’s sex. The policy would also impact federal prisons, shelters, and other spaces, requiring them to maintain single-sex areas for privacy. Additionally, government messaging, employee records, and even federal grants would be reviewed to prevent the promotion of “gender ideology.” This means agencies could no longer use funds to support programs or initiatives that align with broader gender identity recognition. The Biden administration had previously allowed Americans to choose “X” as their gender marker on passports without requiring medical documentation. The State Department emphasized its commitment to “freedom, dignity, and equality” for LGBTQ+ individuals, but Trump’s order would dismantle these inclusive policies. The Social Security Administration had also begun exploring ways to include an “X” option for gender identification, but under the new order, such updates would likely be halted. This shift has sparked debate, with critics arguing it undermines progress for LGBTQ+ rights, while supporters see it as a return to traditional values. As the policy takes effect, its impact on millions of Americans remains a hot topic. ---