Amid the cultural and political shifts that define our times, a noteworthy trend has emerged in the public discourse on gender identity. According to a recent Pew Center report, the percentage of Americans who believe gender is determined by one’s sex at birth has risen significantly. This increase—from 53% in 2017 to 65% today—reflects a growing adherence to traditional views of human nature, underscoring a pushback against the progressive narrative that has dominated for the past decade.
This trend underscores a broader societal movement standing up for what many consider intrinsic truths. In recent years, increasing numbers of Americans have rejected the ideologies that seek to redefine core aspects of identity, particularly in the realm of gender and sexuality. The backlash against transgender activism became particularly visible in 2019 with the high-profile case of Lia Thomas, a biological male competing in women’s swimming events. Thomas’ participation, and the deprivation of trophies from athletes like Riley Gaines, highlighted the tangible impact of these policies on female athletes.
Prominent voices have risen in defense of traditional gender roles, including Riley Gaines, who now leads a crusade for the rights of women and girls in sports. Abigail Shrier, Jennifer Bilek, and J.K. Rowling have also been at the forefront of this movement, using their platforms to challenge the erasure of biological distinctions between men and women. Rowling’s vocal opposition to the overreach of transgender activism has galvanized a global audience, reinforcing that sex is a biological fact, not a social construct.
Despite this growing resistance, the Biden administration has doubled down on policies undermining these traditional views. The U.S. Department of Education’s recent Title IX regulations seek to impose guidelines related to “sex stereotypes, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics” across all states. Critics argue that these rules, rooted in progressive ideology, threaten the privacy and rights of women, impacting spaces such as bathrooms, dormitories, and locker rooms.
The original Title IX passed in 1972, aimed to protect the civil rights of women and girls, yet activists have warped its intent over the decades. Laws initially designed to ensure fairness for females are now being leveraged to promote the transgender agenda, creating a paradoxical scenario wherein the protection of one group undermines the rights of another. The Department of Labor’s use of the term “menstruators” instead of “women” similarly illustrates the extent to which language and policy are being contorted to fit a new orthodoxy.
Deep blue states continue to champion these progressive policies, evidenced by a recent poll showing majority support for enshrining transgender rights in the New York State Constitution. However, national sentiment appears less supportive, with many states opposing these developments. Notably, 26 states have risen against Biden’s Title IX rules, reflecting a concerted effort by Republican attorneys general to uphold the distinction between biological sexes.
The resistance from red states isn’t just limited to social policies. Recent precedents show that states can successfully counter federal overreach when they assert their sovereignty. Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s defiance of federal immigration directives by maintaining border security measures is a prime example. Abbott’s stand, backed by governors from 24 other states, forced the federal administration to relent, demonstrating the power of unity among like-minded states.
As we approach critical election cycles, it is clear that the United States is increasingly divided on these fundamental issues. The dichotomy between red and blue states, particularly regarding gender and personal freedoms, seems poised to deepen. This bifurcation allows for various state-based policies that better align with local values and preferences, underscoring the importance of federalism and the autonomy of states.
The rising opposition to the federal imposition of progressive policies suggests a significant realignment. States functioning as “laboratories of democracy” can pursue policies that reflect their constituents’ values, fostering a climate of innovation and diversity. This approach promises to uphold personal and economic freedom and sustain a balance that can accommodate the deep-seated differences within the nation.
Ultimately, recognizing and respecting these differences is integral to the American ethos. The preservation of fundamental liberties, including the right to hold and express traditional views on gender, remains central to maintaining a free and prosperous society. This vision of balanced state sovereignty, embraced by a growing majority, positions the country toward a future where diversity of thought is accepted and celebrated.
