The United States Department of State has stopped processing passport applications with the gender marker “X” and will now only issue passports for individuals identifying as either male or female.
This decision follows an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump on Monday, which declared that it is the government’s policy “to recognize two sexes, male and female” and that “these sexes are not changeable.”
A spokesperson for the State Department confirmed the move on Friday, saying, “In line with that Order, the Department’s issuance of U.S. passports will reflect the individual’s biological sex as defined in the Executive Order.”
The suspension means that no new passports will be issued with the “X” gender marker. The department also noted that it would soon provide guidance on previously issued passports with the “X” marker.
The executive order reverses changes introduced during President Joe Biden’s administration, which allowed Americans to select “X” as their gender marker beginning in April 2022 to accommodate non-binary, intersex, and gender non-conforming individuals.
Under the new directive, the government will no longer use the term “gender” but will instead refer to “sex,” which Trump’s order defines as “an individual’s immutable biological classification.”
The order affects not just passports but all official documents such as visas, Global Entry cards, and employee records. Federal agencies have been instructed to ensure that these documents accurately reflect an individual’s biological sex.
On the campaign trail, Trump had promised to restrict federal funding for gender-affirming care and prevent hospitals and healthcare providers offering such care from meeting federal health standards for Medicaid and Medicare.
This policy change has drawn criticism from advocates of LGBTQ+ rights, who argue that it undermines recognition and rights for non-binary and gender-diverse individuals.
Further responses from impacted groups and organizations are expected as the policy takes effect.
