Annual Update Conference

Among a flurry of executive orders during his first days in office, President Trump took several measures to reshape U.S. foreign policy in ways that have profound implications for LGBTQ+ rights worldwide. From dismantling U.S. foreign assistance and human rights programming, to upending asylum and refugee resettlement processes, to a renewed alignment with transnational religious conservative groups, Trump’s early actions signal a broad retreat from the previous administration’s global leadership on LGBTQ+ rights. This panel will discuss the early effects of these measures on LGBTQ+ people and the likely impact for LGBTQ+ law and policy at the global level in the months and years to come. 

On Day One, President Trump signed an executive order that redefined the meaning of the word “sex.” This has sweeping implications for transgender, nonbinary and intersex people. But who actually gets to define sex – is it self-determined? Something a doctor must certify? Something a politician can decide based on their worldview?  Our panel brings together national and state experts to discuss the history of the legal and social understandings of sex, the potential impacts of redefinition, and the future of “gender” in the U.S.  

Shortly after taking office, President Trump issued an executive order aimed at restricting access to gender-affirming care for transgender minors, calling the care “chemical and surgical mutilation” and labeling research in support of access to care “junk science.” Over the past few years, many states have similarly taken action to restrict access to gender-affirming care for both youth and adults. At the same time, other states have taken proactive steps to protect access to care and the health care professionals who provide it.  This panel will discuss the legal and policy landscape around gender-affirming care, the impact of receiving care on transgender and nonbinary people, and best practices for parents, youth, and doctors as they navigate the current environment. 

Final Round of the 19th Annual Williams Institute Moot Court Competition (will not be accessible virtually)