Board Members of LGBTQ Foreign Affairs Group Step Down in Response to Executive Order

The leadership of the affinity group dedicated to LGBTQ inclusion within U.S. foreign affairs, known as Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies (GLIFAA), has taken significant measures to comply with a new executive order. In a recent announcement, the board stated that several of its members have resigned from their positions as a result of this directive.

GLIFAA, an organization that has long championed for equality and workplace protections for LGBTQ individuals in foreign affairs, indicated that this decision was necessary due to President Trump's "Defending Women" executive order. This order has led to sweeping changes affecting federal employees and spending, particularly targeting areas of gender identity and LGBTQ rights.

Impact of the Executive Order

The executive order, formally known as Executive Order 14168, has been a catalyst for these changes within GLIFAA. The order explicitly mandates that all federal agencies must adhere to recognizing only two sexes, effectively prohibiting the use of gender identity in federal documentation. Furthermore, it halts funding for gender-affirming care and any initiatives that promote what it terms as "gender ideology."

In response to this directive, GLIFAA announced that its board members, who were also active U.S. government employees, have resigned. This was a strategic move to maintain compliance with the new federal directives while continuing their advocacy work through a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit structure. Although this means ceasing their activities within the official capacity of the government, GLIFAA remains committed to supporting LGBTQ federal workers.

Transition and Future Plans

The letter shared by GLIFAA detailed that an interim board has been appointed to manage the organization's transition out of its previous official government capacity. One of the immediate actions taken was urging board members and affiliates to migrate their communications from work email accounts to personal ones. This measure aims to safeguard against potential retaliation under the new administration's policies.

Additionally, GLIFAA is encouraging its members to continue paying membership dues, which are crucial for the organization to sustain its operations and continue advocating for LGBTQ rights within the federal workforce. Despite the challenges presented by this executive order, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to promote equality and human rights.

Steadfast Commitment to Advocacy

GLIFAA's communication emphasized resilience in the face of policies perceived as hostile to the LGBTQ community, particularly the transgender segment. The letter underscored the importance of unity and mutual support among community members during these trying times.

"Our community's strength and resilience are more crucial than ever," the letter stated. "GLIFAA has always stood for all members of the LGBTQIA spectrum. Our collective strength lies in our unity. We encourage you to connect with fellow members, support one another, and continue the fight for equality and dignity, wherever you may be."

This decisive action by GLIFAA comes on the heels of a broader federal movement to remove references to transgender individuals and LGBTQ-specific health issues from various government websites. This includes crucial resources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Census Bureau, which have been affected by the executive order's stipulations.

Since its founding in 1992, GLIFAA has been instrumental in reversing discriminatory practices within the federal government, from security clearance denials to securing benefits for LGBTQ families. The organization remains resolute in adapting to these new challenges as they continue their advocacy for comprehensive legal and social equality within the U.S. foreign affairs community, albeit under new constraints.

In this critical juncture, GLIFAA calls upon its members and allies to uphold the organization's enduring spirit of resilience and determination. Their collective action is more vital than ever in the pursuit of equal rights for all.