Share on: Linkedin

What does the fight against “Gender Ideology Extremism” mean for people with disabilities?


Published: Saturday January 25, 2025
depiction of the executive order against gender extremism ideologies with an excerpt from the text underlining key statements pertaining to the americans with disabilities act and privacy in intimate spaces

The new administration’s executive order, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, claims to prioritize privacy and safety by invoking rights outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for intimate spaces. However, its limited mention of disability rights raises critical concerns about the broader implications for marginalized groups.

Marginalized Communities Share Common Struggles

An assault on the rights of one marginalized group is an onslaught on all. History has shown that when policies target or curtail the rights of any community—whether based on gender, race, sexual orientation, or disability—the ripple effects are felt far and wide. By prioritizing what they call “biological truth,” this executive order pits communities against each other, potentially undermining decades of progress in inclusion and equality.

Not One Order with a Disability Focus. What About Disability Rights?

The executive order’s sparse acknowledgment of disability rights raises pressing questions for our community. With the power the administration wields, what advancements can or will they make for people with disabilities? Will they uphold the ADA’s promise of equality and accessibility, or will this be a moment where disability rights remain stagnant—or worse, rolled back?

This uncertainty highlights the importance of solidarity among marginalized groups. We cannot ignore the broader cultural and political climate that often pits our communities against one another. Instead, we must ask why the administration hasn’t championed significant disability advancements alongside its other priorities. Could this omission signal that the needs of people with disabilities will be overlooked? What opportunities might exist to advocate for positive change, and how can we ensure those opportunities are seized?

A Call for Unity

As policies like these continue to emerge, the disability community must stand united with other marginalized groups. Our collective strength lies in our ability to amplify one another’s voices and defend the rights we’ve fought so hard to achieve. Together, we must hold those in power accountable, ensuring that no community—ours or others—is left behind in the march toward justice and equality.

How does the return to in-person work order affect people with disabilities?