Recently, President Donald Trump signed several executive orders, including one that will affect U.S. passports, especially for non-binary individuals. This has stirred significant discussions about gender identity and the recognition of non-binary people in official government documents. Let’s break down the situation and what this means for travelers and citizens.

What is an Executive Order?

An executive order is a directive issued by the President of the United States to manage federal operations. It doesn’t need approval from Congress, which makes it a powerful tool for quickly enacting policy changes. President Trump signed over 200 executive orders in his recent return to the White House, touching on issues like climate change, immigration, and employment. One particular order stands out in its impact on gender identity policies.

The “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism” Order

Among the changes Trump introduced is an executive order titled “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” This order has a key stipulation: it asserts that there are only two genders—male and female. This change impacts various areas of society, including the housing of transgender women in female prisons and, notably, passport documentation.

Impact on Non-Binary People’s Passports

In 2021, a breakthrough was made when the U.S. State Department introduced the option of an “X” gender marker on passports. This was a major victory for non-binary individuals, who do not identify strictly as male or female. The first “X” gender passport was issued in October 2021, marking a significant step toward inclusivity.

Jessica Stern, a U.S. diplomat, praised the decision, stating that it helped the U.S. “account for the diversity of gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics among U.S. citizens.” However, with Trump’s new executive order, the availability of the “X” gender marker is now in jeopardy.

A Sudden Freeze on “X” Passport Applications

Following the executive order, the U.S. State Department has suspended all applications for passports with the “X” gender marker. According to an internal email from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the policy will now state that an individual’s sex, rather than gender, will be used on official documents, including passports.

This means that non-binary individuals who previously had the option to select “X” as their gender on it can no longer do so. The freeze applies to both new passport applications and updates for existing documents.

What Does This Mean for Current Passport Holders?

Currently issued passports that feature the “X” gender marker will remain valid. However, problems may arise for individuals who need to update or renew their travel documents in the future. Those who want to change their gender marker or apply for the “X” marker will face delays, as the new policy halts such requests.

Credits: Getty Images

With Trump’s recent executive order, non-binary individuals can no longer apply for passports with the “X” gender marker. The State Department has frozen all requests for this option, stating that only male or female genders will be recognized on official documents. This shift raises concerns for non-binary citizens seeking gender recognition.

What’s Next?

As of now, non-binary individuals are left uncertain about the future of their passports and gender identity recognition on official documents. The executive order and its ramifications continue to spark conversations around inclusivity and the recognition of diverse gender identities in the U.S. While some may see this as a step backward, the situation remains fluid, and more changes could be on the horizon.

In the meantime, non-binary individuals will need to navigate this new policy shift and stay informed on updates regarding passport and other government documentation requirements.