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TRUMP: More than two genders

| January 24, 2025 1:00 AM

As a mother of a non-binary child, I am outraged by President Trump’s executive order enforcing the narrow and harmful belief that there are only two genders. This action blatantly disregards the existence and validity of countless individuals across this nation who do not fit into a binary box. It’s clear now — Trump’s agenda is one of exclusion, erasure and control.  

This nation was built on the foundation of diversity — people of different races, genders, and spiritual beliefs coexisting and evolving. The world does not stand still to cater to outdated ideologies, no matter how hard one administration tries to force us backward.  

I don’t know about you, but I’m deeply concerned. If the government can erase my child’s identity with the stroke of a pen, WHATS NEXT!? The rollback of same-sex marriage? The criminalization of gender-affirming care? The stripping away of hard-fought rights for LGBTQ+ people?  

Don’t get me wrong — I’m capable of supporting policies that make sense. But when an administration weaponizes policy to strip my child of their identity, I will fight back with everything I have. This is not just political; this is personal. This is about my child’s right to exist, to thrive, and to feel valued in a world that should celebrate — not erase — them.  

I won’t stay silent. Will you?

SHELLY WILLIAMS 

Spirit Lake