Equality Brief: Edition 1
Welcome to The Equality Brief!
We're excited to launch this bi-weekly newsletter to keep you informed about policy changes, AFFA and AFFA Action updates, and ways to take action. These are challenging times, but knowledge is power—and together, we’ll keep fighting for equality and justice.
A Message from Our Executive Director, Chase Glenn:
The Road Ahead: Challenges & Community Support
As expected, the Trump administration has already issued a series of harmful executive orders, including those targeting LGBTQ+ rights. We know this news is unsettling. Many in our community are feeling anxious about what comes next. We want you to know: you are not alone.
While some policies are shifting at the federal level, some protections remain in place. AFFA will continue to monitor, advocate, and provide resources to keep you informed.
What’s Changing?
Recent executive orders (EOs) and their impact:
EO1: Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Programs are being dismantled, and some benefits, including gender-affirming care, are under threat.
Agencies must take action within 60 days from publication (1/20/2025).
EO2: "Sex" and "gender" redefined:
Impacts transgender, non-binary, and intersex people.
Directs the government to stop providing federal ID documents that reflect trans people’s gender.
Endangers trans people in federal custody by denying gender-affirming care and requiring housing assignments to be based on sex assigned at birth. [Lawsuit filed.]
The current recommendation from AFFA and similar organizations is that, if possible, passport renewals or applications with changing and/or “x” gender markers should be postponed.
Effective immediately from publication (1/20/2025).
EO3: Trans military ban:
New policies could impact trans individuals ability to serve in the military. [Lawsuit filed.]
Report is due on how to implement the order within 30 days of publication (1/27/2025).
EO4: Gender-affirming care ban for trans people under the age of 19:
Could bar coverage for trans youth under federal health insurance plans (including TRICARE and federal employee health plans).
Would hold research and education grants hostage for major medical schools, research hospitals, and teaching hospitals, effectively coercing them into ceasing gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
Could hold Medicaid funding from providers or hospital systems that offer this care.
Tips of hospitals across the country “pre-complying” with this order out of fear of retribution.
Report is due on implementation 60 days from publication (1/28/2025).
EO5: Education
Attempts to rescind federal funding from elementary and secondary schools that promote “gender ideology or discriminatory equity ideology”.
Could impact pronoun usage, bathroom access and sports participation if implemented.
Report is due on implementation within 90 days from publication (1/29/2025).
Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Memo
Impacts bathroom access for trans, nonbinary and intersex individuals at federal agencies.
Cancels training and programs that mention “gender ideology”.
Dissolves all LGBTQ+ affinity groups for federal employees.
Published 1/24/2025.
We are closely watching potential future changes, including new anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and further restrictions on gender-affirming care.
What Has NOT Changed?
Executive orders are not laws—many will be challenged in court.
LGBTQ+ people have always been here, and we will always be here.
Marriage equality and workplace protections under Supreme Court rulings still stand.
Take Action: Upcoming Events
Advocacy 101 – February 22, 2025, 10:00 AM (Charleston, SC)
Your Rights, Your Power – Tuesday, February 25th, 2025, 6:00 PM (Virtual)
What Can You Do?
Stay informed – Follow AFFA and our advocacy partners for the latest updates.
Take action – Call your representatives, attend advocacy events, and amplify LGBTQ+ voices.
Support one another – Check in with your friends, family, and colleagues.
Get involved – Volunteer with AFFA, donate, and be a part of the movement.
This is a moment to come together, support each other, and push back against harmful policies. We will continue to provide guidance, advocacy, and resources—because we’ve got this, and we’ve got us.
Stay tuned for the next edition of The Equality Brief! Until then, follow us on social media or visit our website for real-time updates.
In solidarity,
The AFFA Action Team
