Change to Passports Beginning This Month – Does It Affect You?

It's time for me to change my passport.  Well, not exactly change it as much as I need to get a new one because mine has expired.  They last for 10 years, you'd think that I would have been paying more attention and get it renewed on time, right?

If you are in need of a passport (I feel like everyone should have one) you have another option now as far as the gender that you check.  There is now male, female or other.  You can just put an X. As in gender X.  This would be for people who identify a non-binary.

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After thoughtful consideration of the research conducted and feedback from community members, we concluded that the definition of the X gender marker on State Department public forms will be “Unspecified or another gender identity.”  This definition is respectful of individuals’ privacy while advancing inclusion.

The Department of State is trying to make a travel experience a good one for all who want to travel regardless of gender identity.  This change went into effect this week, April 11th.  So, if you are in need of a passport and you don't identify as either male or female, now there is another option.

We have updated our advice to LGBTQI+ travelers: travel.state.gov/lgbtqi.  We reaffirm our commitment to promoting and protecting the freedom, dignity, and equality of all persons – including transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming persons around the world.

For more information on this change, you can check out the Department of State website.