Gen Z Reacts to Trump's Gender Policies: 'It's Giving Regression'

Gen Z Calls Out Trump's Policies: Civil Rights and Inclusion Under Fire

President-elect Donald Trump is officially back in the White House, and he’s wasted no time making waves. Hours after his inauguration, he announced a series of executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and limiting federal recognition of gender to only “male” and “female.” The move has sparked heated reactions, especially from Gen Z, a generation that prides itself on inclusivity, progress, and standing up for marginalized communities.

To dig deeper into the impact of these policies, we asked Gen Zers from across the country to share their thoughts. Spoiler alert: they’re not holding back. Here’s what they had to say about what these changes mean for America’s future.

What's Happening and What's Changing?

Donald Trump’s return to the White House has kicked off with a bold and controversial series of executive orders aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and redefining gender recognition within the federal government.

Here’s What’s Happened So Far:
In recent years, DEI programs have become a cornerstone of efforts to address systemic inequities in workplaces, schools, and government institutions. These programs focus on fostering fairness, offering opportunities to underrepresented groups, and promoting an inclusive culture. Similarly, under the Biden administration, gender protections were expanded to allow individuals to self-identify their gender on federal documents, such as passports, with an option for a nonbinary “X” marker. These steps aimed to make federal policies more inclusive and reflective of America’s diverse population.

What Trump Is Changing:
Trump’s new orders aim to roll back these policies:

1. Eliminating DEI Programs: Federal funds will no longer be used for DEI programs, environmental justice grants, or equity-related initiatives. Trump’s administration claims these programs “discriminate against Americans” and plans to dismantle what it calls the “DEI bureaucracy.”
2. Gender Recognition Changes: The federal government will only recognize two sexes—male and female. This move reverses protections for transgender and nonbinary people, including removing the “X” marker option on passports and other federal documents.
3. Restrictions on Gender-Affirming Care: Federal funding will be prohibited from supporting gender transition medical procedures.

These changes are seen by advocates as a direct attack on marginalized communities. Critics argue that the rollback on DEI programs and gender protections erases years of progress and threatens to undo hard-fought civil rights victories. Trump and his administration, however, claim these moves are about “restoring fairness” and “sanity” in government policies.

The effects of these orders are expected to be immediate in some areas—like the removal of the “X” marker on passports—and longer-term in others, as agencies adjust their policies and legal

"This Feels Like a Step Backward"

"It’s honestly exhausting. We’ve fought so hard for progress, for inclusion, for people to just have basic rights and be recognized as who they are—and now this? Like, why is it so hard for people in power to just let others live? This feels like a deliberate step backward, not for any real reason, but just to undo the progress we’ve made. It’s frustrating because it’s not just policies—it’s people’s lives." —Jasmine, 22, Portland, OR

‍For many Gen Zers, these orders feel like an intentional reversal of progress. DEI programs and gender protections have been hard-won victories, and dismantling them seems to negate years of advocacy. Gen Z isn’t just upset—they’re confused about who these policies are meant to serve.

"DEI Isn't the Enemy"

"Diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t just trendy buzzwords—they’re about making sure that everyone has a fair shot, no matter where they come from or what they look like. Like, how is fairness controversial? These programs help people who’ve been held back for generations, and taking them away just feels so cruel. It’s like saying, ‘You’re on your own now, good luck.’ No one succeeds alone, and DEI programs recognize that." —Liam, 20, Atlanta, GA

‍Diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords—they’re tools to level the playing field. Many Gen Zers see these programs as crucial for creating a more just society, especially in workplaces, schools, and government institutions. The rollback feels like a deliberate attack on equity in all forms.

"It's a Civil Rights Issue"

"This isn’t just about pronouns or bathroom debates—it’s about human dignity and basic rights. People deserve to be seen, respected, and protected under the law, regardless of their gender identity. These executive orders feel like a targeted attack on people who are already vulnerable, and it’s heartbreaking. It’s like saying, ‘We don’t see you, and we don’t care.’ That’s not the country I want to live in. It’s not just bad policy; it’s a betrayal of what we’re supposed to stand for." —Sophia, 24, Chicago, IL

‍Gen Zers overwhelmingly view these orders as a direct affront to civil rights. For transgender and nonbinary individuals, the changes are deeply personal. Many expressed fears about increased discrimination, with some questioning how these policies will impact their safety and access to essential services.

"It's Giving Performative Politics"

"this isn’t about governance, it’s about stirring up drama. These orders feel like they’re designed to pander to a specific base, not to actually solve any real problems. It’s like a big show to say, ‘Look, I’m doing something,’ but that ‘something’ is just creating division and making life harder for people. Meanwhile, there are actual issues that need attention—climate change, housing, healthcare—and none of that is being addressed. It’s exhausting to see politics treated like a reality show instead of real life." —Carlos, 21, San Antonio, TX

‍There’s widespread skepticism that these orders are more about political theater than practical solutions. Gen Zers believe these moves are intended to polarize and energize Trump’s base, rather than address the nation’s pressing issues.

"Why Now?"

"We’re literally in the middle of a million crises—climate disasters, student debt, rising rents—and they’re focusing on this? It’s like they’re ignoring the house that’s on fire to complain about the wallpaper. People are struggling to make ends meet, and instead of addressing that, they’re targeting marginalized groups. It’s not just frustrating—it’s infuriating. It shows a complete lack of priorities and empathy for what people are actually going through." —Taylor, 19, Miami, FL

‍A recurring question among Gen Zers is why these issues are being prioritized at all. With so many urgent challenges facing the country, the focus on DEI rollbacks and gender restrictions feels out of touch with reality.

"This Will Hurt Real People"

"These aren’t just abstract policies. They’re going to have real, harmful effects on people’s lives. Trans folks might lose access to healthcare or face more barriers to being recognized for who they are. DEI programs are what make workplaces and schools more inclusive, and without them, so many people are going to feel like they don’t belong. It’s not just a political debate—it’s about safety, opportunities, and the right to exist without constantly fighting for it. It’s really scary to think about how far-reaching this could be." —Eli, 23, Denver, CO

‍Gen Z is deeply aware of the human impact of these policies. From transgender individuals being denied appropriate accommodations to disruptions in DEI-driven workplace initiatives, they see these orders as more than abstract politics—they’re about people’s lives.

"It's Hypocrisy on MLK Day"

"Announcing this on Martin Luther King Jr. Day is beyond tone-deaf—it’s disrespectful. MLK stood for equality and justice, and these orders are the opposite of that. They’re stripping away protections that are meant to create a fairer society. It’s almost like they’re using the day to send a message that they don’t care about those ideals. It’s hurtful, and it makes it really hard to believe that this administration has any interest in uniting the country or doing what’s right." —Imani, 25, Washington, D.C.

‍Many Gen Zers noted the painful irony of rolling back DEI programs on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a holiday meant to honor a civil rights icon. For them, it underscores the lack of sincerity behind claims that these orders promote fairness.

"This Makes Us Feel Less Safe"

"Being trans in America is already hard enough. You’re constantly worried about your safety, about whether people will accept you, about whether you’ll have access to the things you need. And now this? These policies make it even harder to feel like you belong or that the government has your back. It’s like they’re putting a target on our backs and saying, ‘Figure it out yourself.’ It’s terrifying, and it’s exhausting to keep fighting for the right to simply exist." —Jordan, 21, Dallas, TX

‍Safety was a recurring concern among trans and nonbinary Gen Zers. They fear increased violence, discrimination, and legal obstacles as protections are rolled back. The orders seem to invalidate their identities, reinforcing the stigma they already face.

"We're Not Going Quietly"

"This generation isn’t afraid to speak up, and we’re not going to stay silent about something this big. From protests to social media campaigns, we know how to organize and make our voices heard. It’s not just about complaining—it’s about taking action. Whether it’s supporting legal challenges, raising awareness, or showing up to vote, we’re ready to push back. This isn’t just a setback; it’s a call to action. They might think they can erase progress, but they clearly underestimated how loud Gen Z can be." —Maya, 22, Brooklyn, NY

‍Despite their frustration, Gen Z isn’t backing down. Many expressed a commitment to fighting these policies through protests, advocacy, and online activism. They believe their generation’s energy and unity can create change, even in the face of adversity.

What's Next for Gen Z?

Talking to Gen Z about Trump’s executive orders feels like tapping into a mix of outrage and determination. This isn’t just another policy shift—it’s a direct challenge to the values of inclusion and equality we’ve grown up fighting for.

Sure, these orders hurt. They send a message that some lives and identities are less valid, less protected. But if there’s one thing about Gen Z, it’s that we know how to channel frustration into action. Whether it’s organizing protests, amplifying marginalized voices on social media, or supporting legal battles, we’re not going to sit back and let this pass unchallenged.

This generation was raised on activism, from climate marches to Black Lives Matter rallies, and this is just another fight in the long journey toward justice. Gen Z isn’t going quiet—because when the world tells us to shrink, we show up even louder.

Stay loud, stay informed, and stay inspired with Woke Waves Magazine.

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