Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently sent a letter to state government agencies declaring that the state only recognizes two sexes, male and female, mirroring a similar executive order from President Donald Trump. The letter also referenced how Travis County stopped allowing sex changes on driver’s licenses and IDs, causing concern from LGBTQ+ advocates.
Despite concerns about stoking hatred and discrimination against gender non-conforming individuals, the order itself will not lead to significant policy changes, according to LGBTQ+ advocacy organization Equality Texas. The organization’s communications director, Johnathan Gooch, described Abbott’s letter as a political stunt to align with the Trump administration without real impact.
While the letter may not affect University professors’ research and teaching, American Studies and Gender Studies professor Lauren Gutterman emphasized the importance of resisting the message and continuing to educate about gender diversity. She encouraged LGBTQ+ students, staff, and faculty to stand firm in their identities despite the executive order.
In response to Abbott’s letter, Gutterman stressed the importance of maintaining educational freedom and expertise while challenging discriminatory attitudes. She highlighted the resilience of LGBTQ+ individuals on campus and asserted that no executive order can erase their identities.
Ultimately, Abbott’s letter serves as a symbolic gesture rather than a substantive policy change, with its impact on gender diversity education and acceptance likely to be resisted by advocates and educators in Texas.
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