Equality North Carolina Responds to Trump's Newest Executive Order Targeting the Trans Community

RALEIGH, N.C. – On February 5, 2025, President Donald Trump signed his most recent anti-trans executive order banning transgender women and girls from participating in women's sports, furthering a campaign to target and dismantle protections for the transgender community. Equality North Carolina (ENC) condemns this executive order and reaffirms its mission to fight for LGBTQ+ power through protecting and supporting our trans community.

The executive order, titled "Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports," rolls back protections set by the previous administration under Title IX, which had allowed transgender students to participate in school sports teams and access facilities based on their gender identity. The order also mandates that schools and sports governing bodies must prevent transgender women from competing in women's sports or using women's restrooms.

"This executive order is an attack on the transgender community, and specifically trans athletes who deserve the same opportunities as anyone else to participate in sports," said Executive Director Eliazar Posada. "Transgender people, especially transgender women and girls, face tremendous barriers to full participation in society. This order only adds to the daily discrimination, exclusion, and harm they experience."

In 2023, the North Carolina General Assembly passed similar legislation, H574, despite receiving Gov. Cooper’s veto. This executive order compounds the effects faced by North Carolina residents. Recent studies show the importance of sports for mental and physical well-being, particularly for transgender youth. Preventing transgender people from sports participation only aims to marginalize the community further and places focus on harmful and arbitrary restrictions not rooted in best industry practices and information.

This executive order further harms transgender people throughout North Carolina and the country. Equality North Carolina is calling on lawmakers, business leaders, and communities to stand together in support of transgender rights and reject any efforts to impose these discriminatory policies in North Carolina and nationwide.

"We will not stand by while trans rights are under attack," said Eliazar Posada. "We will continue to fight for the safety, dignity, and equality of all transgender people, both in sports and in every aspect of life. We urge lawmakers to oppose this harmful order and protect the rights of transgender youth. We advocate that our elected officials, families, teachers, coaches, and community allies come together to fight against this policy and act for inclusive public spaces and sports practices. Equality North Carolina will continue to monitor developments, mobilize our community, and work toward a thriving, liberated North Carolina where trans people are free to be who they are without fear of discrimination.