Trans and LGBTQ+ students from Kingston University have reacted with shock after Donald Trump announced his new ban on transgenderism policies.
On 5 February, Donald Trump signed multiple executive orders targeting transgender people, which include banning trans people from the military and from women’s sports.
Ru, 18, a transgender student who is in their foundation year in humanities and identifies as they/them said: “It’s making people suffer for longer than they should and not allowing them to be the people who they want to be.”
“I don’t think Trump considers [transgender] views valuable, he’s only trying to appeal to his community, and no I don’t think he has a space in mind for them.”
One of these orders include that the U.S. government would only recognise two unchangeable sexes: male and female.
Transgender students at Kingston expressed a mix of anger, disbelief and fear as news of the orders quickly spread.
For many, the impact of these executive decisions extends far beyond the borders of the United States, amplifying feelings of insecurity about their rights and safety in both the U.S. and globally
Trump’s policies, which reinstate the ban on transgender people serving in the U.S. military and impose restrictions on transgender women participating in women’s sports, have caused widespread fear and frustration among transgender communities.
These decisions, which undo previous protections put in place under the Obama administration, have reignited concerns about the fragility of transgender rights even in countries like the UK, where progress has been made in recent years.
For Kingston University student Betsy, who is studying humanities and art, the recognition of only two sexes struck a particularly personal chord.
“He’s changing the gender on passports of people, who are established in their gender identity, back to what they originally identified as before. I don’t think that’s helpful,” she said.
“That could be really damaging if you’ve lived as a woman and you’ve had that on your passport, to have that go back, I don’t think is a good thing at all.”
The renewed restriction on transgender women in sports is equally contentious. Trump’s executive orders further tighten the criteria for transgender women competing in women’s athletics, limiting participation based on testosterone levels and other biological factors.
This new policy reinforces a long-standing debate over fairness in sports but is viewed by some as another avenue for discrimination.
Carla, a sociology student, noted the potential ripple effects of Trump’s statements.
She said: “I think America frames itself as the global trendsetter, so if other people start following suit with that, then that’s going to be dangerous for minorities.”
“There’s just a lot of hypocrisy when it comes to him and his views. For a nation that’s so focused on freedom and people’s rights and that’s been a big part of his campaign as well both rounds, he really doesn’t consider the views on everyone at all,”
Kingston University has long prided itself on fostering an inclusive and diverse community.
A spokesperson for the University reiterated its commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ students.
They said: “Kingston University stands with our transgender students and staff. We condemn any form of discrimination and will continue to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all.”
Additionally, Kingston University has a statement on its official website affirming its support for LGBTQ+ and transgender individuals.
“Kingston University is committed to providing a fully inclusive environment and endeavours to provide consistent and holistic support for trans and non-binary students. We have a named member of staff supporting trans students and we are working towards implementing a gender identity policy and increasing the provision of gender-neutral toilets on campus.”
Rym Naimi
Orla Preston Hibbert