President Donald Trump’s executive order limiting federal recognition of gender to only male and female, is impacting policies across federal agencies. One of the most immediate effects is on college students applying for financial aid, as FAFSA now requires applicants to select either "M" or "F," removing recognition of non-binary and transgender identities. KUAM News talked to several LGBTQ+ students and allies on Guam, who are voicing their concerns.

The University of Guam’s Triton Pride Alliance, a student organization advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, says this policy rollback is disappointing but not surprising. “I think we were all pretty on guard with the election of President Trump," Kai Chaco told KUAM. “We’re pretty disappointed, but not surprised at these changes being made. Especially because of how heavily Trump relied on attacking trans people in particular this election cycle.”

Beyond political concerns, students are also facing practical challenges.  Chaco says this shift could complicate things for those who are far along in their transition.

“How are we going to be able to, like you said, do things like FAFSA when it's clear that we’re not going to be able to portray ourselves as we are?”, he said.  “It’s the practicality of the matter, you know? People perceive me as a male.”

“If I were to change a lot of my documentation right now, that would cause issues, you know? Like going to the airport, for example. People would question that.”

Chaco and the Triton Pride Alliance worry that this policy is one step in a broader rollback of LGBTQ+ rights. He posed the question, “Why are these efforts to particularly target transgender people when we’re such a small population?”

Despite the challenges, Chaco remains hopeful that community support and open discussions will lead to better policies in the future. “And I can only hope that by the strength of community, by the strength of critical thinking, knowledge, and discussion that we are able to come to a better conclusion than what is the reality currently," Chaco said.

For now, FAFSA applicants on Guam must select either 'male' or 'female' to complete their applications, aligning with the new federal policy. 

The full impact of this executive order remains to be seen, but it has already sparked discussions on how it affects students and the broader LGBTQ+ community.