What: Gender-Neutral U.S. Passports Will Soon Be an Option for Americans
As of April 11, United States citizens can choose an “X” for gender on their passport applications, a move designed to give nonbinary, intersex and gender-nonconforming Americans an option other than male or female on their travel documentation. In addition, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is working to implement gender-neutral screening at its checkpoints — this includes reducing the number of pat-down screenings, eliminating gender identification from screenings and updating the TSA PreCheck application to include an “X” option for gender.
Why It Matters: It’s a Step Toward a More Inclusive Travel Industry
These announcements from the Biden Administration mark important new measures to support transgender Americans, coming at a time when transgender rights are at the forefront of many state laws and debates around the country. In addition, issues of diversity, equity and inclusion continue to be top of mind within the travel industry in 2022 — changes like these will help our industry move toward providing a more inclusive experience for all.
What They Are Saying: The U.S. Is Committed to Supporting People of All Gender Identities
“The Department of State has reached another milestone in our work to better serve all U.S. citizens, regardless of their gender identity,” according to a press statement issued by Anthony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State. “The Department is setting a precedent as the first federal government agency to offer the X gender marker on an identity document … We reaffirm our commitment to promoting and protecting the freedom, dignity and equality of all persons — including transgender, non-binary and gender-nonconforming persons around the world.”
The Details
Transportation Security Administration
U.S. Department of State
