State Department Suspends Processing Passport Applications with 'X' Gender Marker

In a controversial decision, the U.S. State Department announced today that it will no longer process passport applications that include the "X" gender marker, effectively halting the issuance of passports with this designation. The "X" marker was introduced under the Biden administration to accommodate non-binary, intersex, and gender non-conforming individuals, but the new policy reverses these changes. A department spokesperson clarified that this suspension aligns with an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on his first day in office, which dictates that federal documents recognize only male and female genders.

This shift in policy has drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates, who argue that it discriminates against people who do not identify strictly as male or female. The "X" gender marker, while a small step in recognizing gender diversity, had offered a critical acknowledgment for those whose gender identity does not fit within the binary framework. Critics now fear that this change will further marginalize non-binary and intersex individuals, who may face challenges when traveling or interacting with government services.

The State Department’s decision is part of a broader political debate over gender identity and rights, raising important questions about the balance between inclusivity and policy direction on gender recognition in the United States.