German Advocacy Group's Critical Statement
The Federation for Queer Diversity, a German LGBTQ+ and intersex rights organisation known as LSVD, issued a statement sharply criticising the Trump-Vance administration's anti-LGBTQ+ policies ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
LSVD Executive Director Julia Monro stated in the Wednesday statement that "in the USA, democracy is being gradually dismantled. In particular, the human rights of transgender, intersex, and non-binary individuals, as well as other queer people, are facing massive attacks and political instrumentalisation by the Trump administration."
The LSVD statement emphasises that sport "has a special responsibility in this situation because it conveys values worldwide that extend beyond the playing field: fairness, respect, and inclusion. This must apply to everyone, including transgender and non-binary people. Those who love sport must also protect those who can only experience it under difficult circumstances."
Specific Policy Impacts and International Concerns
The organisation further states that "the public visibility of queer people is being pushed back, companies and organisations with diversity strategies are being pressured, and laws for transgender, intersex, and non-binary people are being tightened. This is not a fringe issue, but directly affects everyday life, mobility, and safety. The way minority rights are treated is a measure of the state of a democratic society. Inhumane measures must not be normalised. As attention on the host country, the USA, increases, the international community must not remain silent. The Trump administration could exploit this media platform for further inhumane purposes, in order to transfer its homophobic agenda to other countries."
LSVD further emphasises that "the safety of transgender and non-binary soccer fans is currently not guaranteed in the USA. We advise all queer fans to inform themselves carefully beforehand and to take precautions for their safety."
Specific Policy Measures and Passport Concerns
The German government issued a travel advisory in 2025 for transgender and non-binary people planning to visit the U.S. The warning specifically noted President Donald Trump's executive order banning the State Department from issuing passports with "X" gender markers.
The Council for Global Equality is one of more than 100 organisations issuing travel advisories for the U.S. ahead of the World Cup. InterPride, the organisation that coordinates WorldPride events, issued a travel advisory for transgender and non-binary people who travelled to the U.S. for WorldPride held last summer in Washington D.C.
According to the InterPride advisory, "Due to an executive order issued by the U.S. president on January 20, all travellers must select either 'male' or 'female' when applying for entry or visas. The gender listed at birth will be considered valid. If your passport has 'X' as a gender marker or differs from your birth-assigned gender, we strongly recommend contacting the U.S. diplomatic mission before travelling to confirm entry requirements."
German Government Official Position
LSVD notes the German government reiterated its 2025 travel advisory ahead of the World Cup. The organisation warned that "anyone travelling with a different gender entry, with an 'X' marker in their passport, or who does not conform to the state's expectations during checks, must expect problems in the USA."
Simultaneously, the organisation calls upon the international community to address U.S. human rights violations against LGBTQ+ persons and urges nations not to remain silent regarding the U.S. government's policies.
European Editorial Office: John