In a series of sweeping directives that many see as an aggressive rollback of LGBTQ rights, the Trump administration has begun systematically erasing references to transgender people from federal websites, resources, and government communications. These changes—ranging from passport policy revisions to the removal of “X” gender markers—have raised alarm among transgender individuals, their families, and allies who fear the loss of critical protections and services.
A Widespread Directive
On Friday, multiple federal agencies, including the State Department, Department of Defense, and Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), ordered employees to remove gender pronouns from email signatures by 5 p.m. The directives align with President Donald Trump’s “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth” executive order, which states the U.S. government must “recognize two sexes, male and female.”
Although the order does not specifically mention pronouns, internal memos suggest agencies felt compelled to interpret it as a ban on any reference to non-binary or transgender identities in staff email signatures. The move has sparked questions about whether future communications—especially those related to diversity and inclusion—will face further restrictions.
Website Content Removal
Alongside these abrupt shifts in communication guidelines, federal agencies have begun overhauling—or outright eliminating—online resources that previously offered guidance and support for transgender, non-binary, and intersex people. This concentrated effort has led many advocates to accuse the Trump administration of purposefully attempting to erase transgender individuals from public view. Nowhere is this more evident than in the State Department’s travel advisories. Once upon a time, the department’s website acknowledged LGBTQI+ travelers with direct references to transgender identities and specific safety considerations they might face abroad. As of Friday, however, those references have been replaced with an “LGB” tab focused solely on same-sex relationships, leaving a substantial information gap for travelers who identify outside the male-female binary.
This widespread removal extends far beyond a single department. Several government sites—among them the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Education, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—have gone offline or now display “Access Denied” notices. In a particularly troubling development, crucial CDC data regarding health disparities among transgender youth vanished midday Friday without explanation. This purge scrubbed guidelines for creating supportive educational environments, a set of best practices many schools had used to improve mental health outcomes for trans and non-binary students.
Community members and advocacy organizations are raising concerns about the systematic erasure of transgender identity. They point out that these websites, datasets, and public health guidelines are not simply symbolic: They serve as lifelines for a community that has historically faced higher rates of discrimination, harassment, and violence. With such information disappearing, trans individuals and their families are left scrambling to find accurate, vetted guidance on everything from international travel to mental health support.
Critics argue that by removing these pages, the Trump administration is intensifying its campaign to limit or outright deny the existence of transgender people in official government contexts. They warn of the ripple effects: Healthcare providers may lack the necessary research and training materials to offer culturally competent care, educators may lose resources for creating safe classrooms, and trans travelers could find themselves in dangerous or confusing situations abroad. As the push to rewrite federal policies and websites continues, fears are mounting that this systematic removal of transgender references is part of a broader effort to erase trans and gender-diverse Americans from the national conversation.
DEI Programs in Jeopardy
The administration’s actions also cut into the broader landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government. Days after President Trump returned to the Oval Office, he ordered the termination of federal DEI and accessibility offices and mandated the removal of any references to “gender ideology” from contracts and government forms.
By late January, multiple agencies had begun implementing these orders, issuing memos that warn employees not to circumvent the president’s directives or risk disciplinary action. The ODNI, in particular, cautioned that any attempts to “subvert” the new priorities would be investigated by the inspector general. This warning has sowed fear among government workers, who worry about retaliation for speaking out.
Fear and Confusion Among Federal Workers
At the Department of Defense, “identity months”—which historically honor the achievements of marginalized groups—have been halted. In a statement, the DOD said such events “erode camaraderie and threaten mission execution.” The abrupt announcement, made mere hours before February’s Black History Month, has caused confusion and frustration among employees.
A senior State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described a palpable sense of unease at the agency. Employees fear that expressing support for transgender rights—or even retaining references to transgender or non-binary individuals in training materials—could bring scrutiny or jeopardize their positions.
The Threat to Data and Transparency
Outside experts and advocacy groups have expressed alarm over the systematic removal of transgender references and data from government websites. Faith Williams, policy director at the watchdog group Project on Government Oversight, noted that losing federal webpages “chills public access” to information critical for evidence-based policymaking and support services.
The near-hour-long downtime at the Census Bureau’s website on Friday exemplifies the potential dangers of these directives. While the site eventually returned online, many pages remain inaccessible or incomplete. Critics argue that data on marginalized populations, including transgender individuals, should be more accessible—not less—given its importance for shaping public policy and allocating resources effectively.
Impacts on the Transgender Community
For transgender Americans—who, under prior administrations, saw incremental gains in federal protections—these rollbacks feel both disheartening and sudden. The removal of affirming resources, such as the option to select “X” on passport applications, underscores the administration’s commitment to limiting official recognition of gender identities outside the male-female binary.
Equally concerning is how these policy shifts might affect healthcare and other federal services. With agencies removing guidelines and best practices related to transgender health, advocates worry that doctors, hospitals, and federal healthcare programs could lose the support and information that previously guided more inclusive and sensitive care.
The Bottom Line
Despite the shockwaves these developments have sent through the transgender community, supportive organizations and families are mobilizing. Allies and advocacy groups are scrambling to archive disappearing web pages and repost them online, ensuring critical information remains accessible to those who need it most.
Medical professionals, scientists, and civil rights advocates continue to push back, challenging the administration’s claim that there are only two sexes recognized by law. Many assert that the complexity of gender identity and expression makes these new policies both scientifically unsound and harmful to a vulnerable community.
Despite the administration’s swift rollback of protections, transgender people have consistently demonstrated resilience. Communities nationwide are rallying to preserve progress and support one another through legal, grassroots, and healthcare-focused efforts. In the face of widespread changes, the message from the community and its allies remains resolute: The fight for authentic recognition and respect is far from over.
