Gender X Passport: A Step Towards Inclusive Travel
Explore the Gender X Passport’s role in inclusive travel, promoting equal treatment and aligning with global standards for gender-nonconforming people.
As the U.S. Department of State moves towards implementing an “X” gender marker on passports, it is crucial to understand the implications and benefits this change will bring for individuals with diverse gender identities. The introduction of X Gender Passports not only provides a more accurate representation for non-binary people but also aligns with international standards.
On this page we will delve into various aspects surrounding X Gender Passports, including how self-selection without medical documentation and alignment with international standards contribute to making these passports a reality. Furthermore, we’ll discuss the impact on travel experiences by reducing discrepancies between identification documents and fostering collaboration among federal and state governments.
X Gender Marker on U.S. Passports
Starting April 11 2023, the United States Department of State introduced the X gender marker on U.S. passports for individuals who do not identify as male or female, aligning with international standards recognized by ICAO.
Self-selection of gender without medical documentation
Applicants can now self-select their gender marker as “X” without needing medical documentation, making passport application processes more accessible and inclusive for non-binary and intersex individuals.
Alignment with international standards
The introduction of an X-gender marker option puts the United States in line with various countries like Canada, Australia, and Germany, promoting greater acceptance towards diverse genders across borders.
Frequently Asked Questions about X-Gender Markers:
- What does it mean if my passport has an ‘X’ under sex? An ‘X’ under sex means you’ve chosen not to specify your gender as either male or female.
- Do I need to provide any medical documentation to select ‘X’ as my gender marker? No, you do not need any medical documentation to choose the ‘X’ gender marker on your passport application.
- Will having an X-gender marker affect my ability to travel internationally? While most countries recognize and accept passports with an “X” gender marker, it’s always a good idea to research specific entry requirements of your destination country before traveling.
Impact on Travel Experiences
The X gender marker on U.S. passports is a game-changer for non-binary and intersex travelers, making border crossings and other checkpoints less of a hassle.
Reducing Discrepancies Between Identification Documents
Before the “X” option, travelers with diverse gender identities faced confusion and delays when their passport’s gender marker didn’t match other forms of ID.
Collaboration Among Federal and State Governments
The United States is catching up with several states that already offer an “X” designation on driver’s licenses or state ID cards, promoting inclusivity and acceptance.
- New York State began offering an X option in 2023,
- Colorado started providing this choice in 2018,
- California introduced the non-binary gender marker in 2023.
As more states adopt similar policies, it’s crucial for federal agencies like the Department of State to follow suit and ensure that all U.S. citizens can access identification documents that accurately reflect their identities – no matter where they live or travel.
Updating Consular Report of Birth Abroad Applications
Department of State is adding an “X” gender marker option in passport applications and updating its systems to include this option in Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) applications.
CRBAs are crucial documents for Americans born overseas claiming citizenship at birth through their parents, making it essential that the CRBA accurately reflects one’s gender identity.
Americans born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents can obtain a CRBA, which establishes their claim to American citizenship from birth.
Updates must be made within existing systems used by consulates worldwide processing CRBA applications to accommodate these changes.
Once these updates are implemented, the U.S. The Department of State is now better equipped to ensure equal treatment for all citizens, regardless of gender identity, through the introduction of an X-gender marker option in both passport and CRBA applications.
By introducing an X-gender marker option in both passport and CRBA applications, the United States is taking a significant step towards ensuring equal treatment for non-binary and intersex individuals.
This change not only benefits those directly impacted but also sends a strong message that America values diversity and inclusion across all aspects of society, including citizenship documentation.
As more countries adopt similar practices in travel documents worldwide, it’s essential to stay informed about passport services, renewal processes, and any potential changes affecting your travel experiences.
For more information, please contact our regional offices, who will be able to assist you better.
24 Hour Passport and Visas is a private, non-government passport and visa expediting service agency providing passport renewal online service across the USA having several local offices. The fees included with our services are to expedite the procedures and are in addition to the government fees. If you are in a situation that does not require expedited services you can apply directly through the US Department of State, and avoid paying our additional courier fees.
24 Hour Passport & Visas Offices
8170 Beverly Blvd, Suite 101, Los Angeles, CA 90048. United States.
Phone Number: 310.913.7804
Physical Address:
8170 Beverly Blvd, Suite 101
Los Angeles, CA 90048
United States.
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday to Friday
No Walk-ins accepted.
Drop-off and Pick-up Office.
1112 Montana Avenue, Suite 178
Santa Monica, CA 90403
United States
By car
From airport:
It is 11.7 miles and approximately 34 minutes away.
Head east, following signs for Century Blvd.
Take the i-405 N ramp to Sacramento. Follow signs for La Cienega Blvd and merge.
Turn right on Beverly Blvd, pass by Taco Bell and our office is on the right
From downtown:
It is 11.3 miles and approximately 29 minutes away.
Get on I-10 W from San Pedro St.
Take exit 7A from I-10 W.
Take La Cienega Blvd to Beverly Blvd.
By public transport
From airport:
Take the LAX via FlyAway (L.A. Union Station) till Union Station.
From Union Station, take the Metro Red Line (North Hollywood Station). Get off at Vermont/ Beverly Station.
From there take bus no.14 (Beverly-Pico) and get off at Beverly/Crescent Heights. It’s a 2 minute away from our office.
From downtown:
Take bus no.60 from 7th/San Pedro (Downtown LA- Sunset- Figueroa).
Get off at 7th/Olive.
Take bus no.14 from Olive/7th (Beverly-Pico).
Get off at Beverly/Crescent Heights. Our office is located 3 minutes away from there.
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Physical Address:
2001 Van Ness Ave #408
San Francisco, CA 94109
United States.
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday to Friday
No Walk-ins accepted.
Drop-off and Pick-up Office.
2001 Van Ness Ave #408
San Francisco, CA 94109
United States.
By car
From airport:
It is 15.4 miles and approximately 35 minutes away.
Take the US-101 N in South San Francisco from International Terminal Arrivals Level.
Follow US-101 N to Market St in San Francisco.
Take Franklin St to Van Ness Ave.
From downtown:
It is 1.6 miles and approximately 9 minutes away.
Head south on Hyde St towards McAllister St.
Turn right onto McAllister St.
Turn right onto Franklin St.
Turn right onto Pacific Avenue..
Turn right onto Van Ness Avenue and our office will be on the right.
By public transport
From airport:
Take the yellow bus (Antioch) and get off at 16th St Mission BART Station.
Take bus no.49 (North Point + Van Ness) and get off at Jackson St & Van Ness Avenue.
Our office is a minute away from there.
From downtown:
From Civic Centre, take bus no.19 (Beach Street) and get off at Polk St & Washington St.
Our office is 3 mins away from there.
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1440 W. Taylor Street #483 Chicago, IL 60607, United States.
Phone Number: 310.913.7804
1440 W. Taylor Street #483
Chicago, IL 60607
United States
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday to Friday
No Walk-ins accepted.
Drop-off and Pick-up Office.
1440 W. Taylor Street #483
Chicago, IL 60607
United States
By car
From airport:
It is 8.9 miles and approximately 21 minutes away.
Take Departures to S Cicero Avenue.
Take i-55 N/Stevenson Expy to W 31st PL and take exit 290.
Take S Ashland Avenue to W Taylor St.
From downtown:
Follow E Congress Pkwy, I-290 W and S Ashland Avenue to W Taylor St.
Turn left onto W Taylor St.
By public transport
From airport:
Take the Orange Line (Loop) and get off at Ashland.
Take bus no.9 (Irving Park) and get off at Ashland & Taylor.
Our office is 4 minutes away from there.
From downtown:
Take the Blue Line (Forest Park) and get off at Racine.
Our office is 10 minutes away from there.
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3201 Edwards Mill Rd Ste 141 Raleigh, NC 27612, United States.
Phone Number: 310.913.7804
3201 Edwards Mill Rd Ste 141
Raleigh, NC 27612
United States
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday to Friday
No Walk-ins accepted.
Drop-off and Pick-up Office.
3201 Edwards Mill Rd Ste 141
Raleigh, NC 27612
United States
By car
From airport:
Get on I-40 E from Airport Blvd.
Take Edwards Mill Rd exit from Wade Avenue.
Follow Edwards Mills Rd till our office
From downtown:
Take E Jones St to N Person St.
Take Glenwood Ave and Glen Eden Dr to John Humphries Wynd in Meredith.
Continue on John Humphries Wynd to our office.
By public transport
From airport:
Take bus no.100 (RDU Airport and Raleigh) and get off at Blue Ridge Rd at Westchase Blvd.
Take bus no.27 (Crabtree Valley Mall) and get off at Blue Ridge Rd at Duraleigh Rd.
Our office is 9 minutes away from there.
From downtown:
Take bus no.4 (Rex Hospital) and get off at Edwards Mill Rd at Ed Dr.
Our office is 2 minutes away from there.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The “X” on a passport’s gender marker signifies a third, non-binary option for individuals who do not identify as male or female.
Yes, the U.S. Department of State announced plans to introduce an X-gender marker for U.S. passports.
Australia was one of the first countries to issue gender-neutral passports, allowing citizens to choose an “X” in place of “M” or “F” since 2011.
“X” represents non-binary or other identities that don’t fit within traditional binary categories such as male and female.