A new series by the Williams Institute examines the impact of President Trump's executive actions on LGBTQ people. 

Prohibiting transgender people from accessing bathrooms and gendered facilities according to their gender identity

In his first weeks in office, President Trump issued a series of executive actions aimed at limiting transgender people’s access to public restrooms and other gendered facilities. These include a set of executive orders that redefine sex as only male and female, prohibit transgender students' access to school bathrooms that align with their gender identity, and ban transgender athletes from women's sports teams and locker rooms.

Our new report finds transgender people face increased risks when required to use restrooms according to their sex assigned at birth. Our previous research shows that allowing transgender people to use restrooms, locker rooms, and changing rooms aligning with their gender identity doesn't jeopardize safety in these spaces.

Removing sexual orientation and gender identity data and research from federal government websites 

On January 29, 2025, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management issued a memo to all department and agency heads directing them to remove webpages and documents that “promote gender ideology” in accordance with executive orders that recognize only two genders—male and female—and terminate DEI programs.

Although a court order has temporarily required agencies to restore webpages and make data available, our new report examines the significance of LGBT federal data collection and the potential consequences of its removal on LGBT research, law, and policy.

Our new report finds approximately half of all Black LGBTQ workers have faced discrimination or harassment at work because they are LGBTQ at some point in their lives. This includes being fired, not hired, not promoted, or experiencing verbal, physical, or sexual harassment due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Despite federal nondiscrimination protections, 15% of Black LGBTQ employees reported experiencing discrimination and 14% facing harassment at work due to their LGBTQ status in the past year.

On February 25, a plenary of Mexico City's Congress approved a resolution to include nonbinary people in the local Law for the Recognition and Attention of LGBTTTI+ Persons. In her remarks, Congresswoman Cecilia Vadillo Obregón (above), president of the Gender Equality Commission, cited findings from our 2024 report that found 340,620 people aged 15+ in Mexico identify as nonbinary. 

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.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in collaboration with the LA County Recovery Health and Social Services Task Force, has launched a rapid needs assessment for residents impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires. Take the survey to ensure the voices of LGBTQ people are included.

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.