A new series by the Williams Institute examines the impact of President Trump's executive orders on LGBTQ people. There are limits on what a president can do through executive orders, and their implementation is often not immediate. Many of the orders have already been challenged through litigation, and implementation of some has been temporarily stopped.

Executive Order: "Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border of the United States"

In his first weeks in office, President Trump issued more than a dozen immigration-related executive orders and policy directives. These included a set of executive orders that declared a national emergency at the Southern border, attempted to revoke birthright citizenship, ended humanitarian parole for asylum seekers, took actions against sanctuary cities, and allowed ICE officers to conduct raids in doctors’ offices, churches, and schools.

Our new report finds that up to 3% of non-U.S. citizens living in the U.S., or 640,000 people, identify as LGBT. This includes as many as 288,000 who are undocumented and likely to be among the first affected by President Trump’s immigration policies.

Executive Order: "Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schools" 

On January 29, President Trump issued an executive order aimed at eliminating protections for transgender students and restricting instruction related to race, gender, and other subjects in K-12 education. The order specifically targets transgender youth by prohibiting the recognition of gender identity and preferred pronouns, restricting access to shared facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms, banning participation in school sports, requiring forced outing, and prohibiting instruction on topics related to gender identity.

Our new report finds that the order will likely impact transgender students by increasing the instances of discrimination and harassment they face, ultimately affecting their health outcomes. In addition, policies that require schools to out transgender students to their parents will likely increase rates of family rejection.

Percentages do not add to 100% due to rounding

Indiana has six laws that criminalize people living with HIV (PLWH). Two of them—Battery by Bodily Fluid or Waste and Malicious Mischief by Body Fluid or Waste—make it a felony for a person who knows they are HIV positive to knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly expose another person to body fluids or waste.

Our report found that between 2012 and 2023, 42 PLWH (across 51 cases) were charged under the two body fluids/waste laws. In each case, the PLWH was charged with a felony for behaviors, such as exposure to saliva, that pose no transmission risk. None of the cases alleged actual transmission of HIV.

The Williams Institute hosts the premier national moot court competition dedicated exclusively to sexual orientation and gender identity law. Competitors write an appellate brief on a current legal topic and argue the case before a panel of judges. This year’s problem will address an asexual school librarian’s rights under Title VII and the First Amendment.

All judges will be offered up to three hours of MCLE credit for participating in the competition.

UCLA School of Law is a State Bar of California-approved MCLE provider. This session is approved for 3  hours of MCLE credit.

Daniel H. Renberg Law Fellow

The Williams Institute seeks a law fellow to engage in cutting-edge and high-quality research and analysis related to sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy. The law fellow will conduct legal and multi-disciplinary research on discrimination facing LGBTQ people, LGBTQ health, LGBTQ families, and criminal justice, among other topics. The fellow will provide research and writing support to senior scholars and will contribute to self-published reports, academic articles, public comments, amicus briefs, and other work. The position is for two years. 

Deadline to apply: February 13, 2025

Project Policy Analyst

The Williams Institute is looking for a policy analyst to assist scholars in conducting public policy, social science, and public health research related to the mission of the Institute. Responsibilities include research and analysis of regulations and legislation, data analysis, preparing written products, and coordinating project timelines, research materials, and data collection. The Institute is particularly interested in candidates with experience in analyzing racial and ethnic disparities, intersectional research, and/or democracy and international research questions.

Deadline to apply: March 6, 2025

Due to the recent fires and their devastating impact on Los Angeles, we have rescheduled our Jazz Brunch for Sunday, March 2. Join us at the Los Angeles home of James Frost for jazz music and delicious food as we celebrate our rigorous, independent research on LGBTQ law and policy.

You're invited! The Williams Institute's Annual Gala is scheduled for April 5, 2025, at 1 Hotel in West Hollywood. This year's event will celebrate the power of research in combating misinformation and establishing the groundwork for evidence-based laws and policies.

The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law is an academic research institute dedicated to conducting rigorous, independent research on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy.