The Trump administration’s recent Executive Orders broadly targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts—and those specifically attacking the rights and dignity of transgender individuals—are an affront to the core values of BALIF, the Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay Area (“AABA”), and our members. We unequivocally condemn these actions and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to fighting back against this administration’s harmful rhetoric and discriminatory agenda. BALIF and AABA stand in solidarity with our transgender community and will continue to advocate for policies that protect, uplift, and celebrate all LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Since taking office, President Trump has signed several executive orders that aim to dehumanize and disregard transgender, non-binary, and intersex people.  These attacks include:

• The “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” executive order, which allows federal agencies to restrict transgender and non-binary people from being issued federal documents like passports that reflect their gender identity, imposes bathroom bans on federal property, halts federal funding for anything promoting “gender ideology,” and more;
  
  
• Reinstating and expanding the military ban on transgender servicemembers;
  
  
• Restricting coverage for gender-affirming care; and
  
  
• Eliminating federal funding for schools that provide education “based on gender ideology and discriminatory equity ideology,” including prosecution of teachers who respect a student’s transition.

We recognize the deep pain, fear, and real-world consequences these attacks impose on transgender people and the broader LGBTQIA+ community. BALIF and AABA’s LGBTQ Committee also acknowledge and support the vital and ongoing work of our members, partners, and sponsors who are leading the fight against these unjust policies. Your dedication is invaluable, and we thank you for your continued efforts. As legal professionals, we bear a profound responsibility to use our knowledge and skills to challenge these injustices, ensuring that any unconstitutional, unlawful, or discriminatory actions face rigorous legal opposition.

Now more than ever, BALIF and AABA are committed to strengthening our cross-organizational collaborations, fostering a united front against bigotry, and working together to protect and advance the rights of our communities. It is important for all bar associations, not just ones specific to the LGBTQIA+ community, to stand together because attacks like these affect members in all communities. We vow to stand with our transgender siblings and the entire LGBTQIA+ community—not just in words, but through concrete action. Together, we will continue to resist, to fight, and to create a future where all people, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, are treated with dignity, respect, and equality under the law.