LGBTQ+ community worries about changes to federal gender ID policies
Passports offering 2 gender options: male and female
Passport applications are now only offering two gender options, male and female, getting rid of the gender marker "X" for non-binary or gender non-conforming people. This comes after am executive order was signed by President Donald Trump stating the federal government will only recognize two genders: male and female.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - There is confusion and anxiety for the LGBTQ+ community when it comes to the Trump administration’s policies around gender identification.
President Donald Trump declared there are only two genders recognized by the federal government -- male or female and those identities are determined at birth. And now, changes are coming to the United States passport application process, with the state’s largest advocacy group telling members to hold off on filing any applications or renewals if they can.
LGBTQ+ identification on passports
What they're saying:
"I do think for many in our communities, it still comes as a significant shock. And obviously the reality of having these policies go into effect or at least go into paper have real implications both for how folks are experiencing this week and for what choices and decisions they need to make in their lives," said Kat Rohn, Executive Director of Outfront MN, the state’s largest advocacy group for the LGBTQ+ community.
Local perspective:
The organization has issued a four-page guide to help members with navigating the new administration’s various policy changes on gender identification and other relevant issues.
One major concern – an executive order stating that gender is determined at birth based on reproductive cells in the newborn. That definition has generated anxiety and worry among transgender people who identify as something other than their sex at birth.
Rohn told FOX 9 it is not clear what happens to those who have one gender marker checked on federal paperwork and another checked on their birth certificate.
"Every individual is going to have different feelings about what those identity documents mean and the recognition of our government, "explained Rohn. "Identity documents are how we often interact with systems, whether it is law enforcement or security at the airport or your employer. And so having documents that align with your lived experience and that align with your gender presentation to the public can be a really big deal in terms of safety and employment."
Gender X option no more
Online passport forms on Friday only listed two genders for applicants to choose from – male or female. An additional message states, "The gender marker that you check on this form will appear in your passport regardless of the gender marker(s) on your previous passport and/or your supporting evidence of citizenship and identity."
Rohn said Outfront has heard from transgender members who are currently interested in changing their identity on government paperwork who are now in limbo and worried about their applications, adding the process can be extremely personal and emotional for some individuals as they wait for further instruction from the U.S. State Department.
U.S. Senator weighs in
In a statement to FOX 9, a spokesperson for U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) wrote, "Our office has been made aware of concerns regarding recent changes to passport application policies. These sudden changes are creating unnecessary confusion for people who simply want to travel or access essential services that require a valid ID. Senator Smith is committed to ensuring all Minnesotans are treated fairly and is working to get to the bottom of this. Anyone experiencing difficulties with their documentation is encouraged to reach out to our office."