Indiana Governor Mike Braun has signed a pair of executive orders that will significantly impact transgender Hoosiers, restricting their rights in sports and state-recognized gender identity documentation. These moves have sparked concern among advocates, who argue that they are part of a broader national trend of misinformation and political targeting of transgender individuals.
Executive Orders and Their Implications
One of Braun’s orders directs the Indiana Commission for Higher Education to enforce a 2020 interpretation of Title IX, rather than the Biden administration’s 2024 rule, effectively ensuring that transgender women cannot compete in women’s collegiate athletics. This measure is in alignment with House Bill 1041, currently advancing in the state legislature, which seeks to codify this restriction into law.
Braun also issued a second order mandating that executive branch agencies recognize only binary gender identities—male and female—based strictly on sex assigned at birth. This order eliminates gender-neutral language in state documents and policies, further marginalizing nonbinary and transgender Hoosiers. Among its most immediate effects, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will no longer issue driver’s licenses with an “X” gender marker, and any gender change on official documents will require a court order.
According to Braun, these orders are designed to eliminate “confusion” about state policy on gender identity issues. However, critics argue that this rhetoric is simply another way to invalidate the identities of transgender Hoosiers.
Advocates Speak Out
LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and civil rights organizations were swift in their condemnation of the executive orders. Zoe O’Haillin-Berne, director of engagement at Indiana Youth Group (IYG), expressed deep concern over the message these policies send to transgender individuals, particularly youth.
“When this kind of rhetoric happens, violence happens,” O’Haillin-Berne warned. “We just need people to tone down this rhetoric before someone gets hurt—because it’s likely going to be a child.”
O’Haillin-Berne also pointed out that such policies further alienate transgender Hoosiers, sending the message that they are unwelcome in their own state.
“In general, this rhetoric is telling trans people, ‘You don’t belong here.’ And that’s devastating at any age,” she said.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Indiana has also criticized the orders, arguing that they strip away rights from an already vulnerable population. Chris Daley, the organization’s executive director, said the ACLU is evaluating potential legal action.
“Gov. Braun came into office promising to improve the quality of life for all Hoosiers. Instead, he has spent his first 100 days targeting immigrants, women’s healthcare rights, and now transgender people’s ability to exist freely in this state,” Daley said. “We object to any actions taken by state government that fail to recognize the identity of transgender people in our state.”
Impacts on Identification and Legal Documents
The new executive orders will create bureaucratic hurdles for transgender Hoosiers attempting to update their identification documents. While previous policies allowed gender marker changes on Indiana driver’s licenses with an amended birth certificate or physician’s statement, the new directive will require a court order for any change.
Further complicating matters, Braun’s administration has instructed the Indiana Department of Health to challenge county courts that attempt to change sex markers on birth certificates after issuance. While courts retain the final authority over such requests, the governor’s actions create new barriers for transgender individuals seeking legal recognition of their gender identity.
“The less than 250 people in Indiana who currently have an ‘X’ gender marker on their driver’s license will still have valid licenses, but they won’t be able to renew them without selecting male or female,” a statement from Braun’s office confirmed.
National Context and Political Motivation
Braun’s executive orders closely mirror policies being enacted across the country. In February, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order barring transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports at the federal level. Braun acknowledged the similarity between Indiana’s policies and Trump’s initiatives, stating, “This is crafted to be maybe similar to it. It is crafted by us to address our point of view here in Indiana.”
Trump’s campaign promise to “keep men out of women’s sports” has found broad support among conservative voters. A national AP VoteCast survey revealed that a significant portion of Americans believe that government support for transgender rights has gone too far. Braun’s orders appear to align with these sentiments, positioning him as a staunch defender of conservative gender policies.
The Bottom Line
For transgender Hoosiers, these orders represent yet another obstacle in their fight for recognition and dignity. Many fear that the policies will not only limit their legal rights but also contribute to increased discrimination and hostility in their communities.
“Trans and nonbinary people are not a threat. They’re not an enemy. They’re not a villain. They’re your neighbors,” O’Haillin-Berne said. “They’re the kid next door. They’re the family across the street. They’re the people in your churches and synagogues. They are Hoosiers as well.”
For now, the battle over transgender rights in Indiana appears far from over. Advocacy groups have vowed to challenge these executive orders in court, and activists continue to raise awareness about the potential harm these policies could cause. Whether Braun’s policies hold up under legal scrutiny remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: transgender Hoosiers are not backing down in their fight for equal rights and recognition.
