In response to U.S. President Trump’s announcement that he will sign executive orders rolling back protections for trans people and terminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs within the U.S. federal government

January 20, 2025


Every person deserves to live in a society where they are accepted for who they are. As Canada’s leading 2SLGBTQI organization, we are deeply concerned by President Trump’s executive orders, which define only two biological sexes and halt diversity programs. These actions directly attack Two Spirit, trans, nonbinary, and gender diverse individuals. 

Science, human rights, and lived experiences all affirm that gender is not solely determined by biology at birth. Policies that deny the existence of gender diversity ignore decades of medical and psychological research, as well as the voices of those directly impacted. A 2023 peer-reviewed report, published in Nature, confirms what 2SLGBTQI advocates and allies have been warning: anti-trans legislation in the U.S. has caused up to a 72% increase in suicide attempts among trans and nonbinary young people aged 13–24.  

While these policies are being enacted in the United States, their impact resonates across borders. Egale Canada stands in solidarity with 2SLGBTQI communities in the U.S. and around the world who are fighting for their rights.  

Egale calls on Canadian leaders and allies to reaffirm their commitment to 2SLGBTQI communities – especially Two Spirit, trans and gender diverse communities. Equality is not negotiable—2SLGBTQI rights are human rights.  

Now, more than ever, we must stand together to create societies and systems that reflect the universal truth that all persons are equal and none is other.  

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Representatives from Egale Canada are available for further comment on this matter. To schedule an interview please email: media@egale.ca