U.S. Issues first passport with gender-neutral “X” designation

The United States has reached a milestone in inclusion by issuing a passport designed with an “X” gender marker.

U.S. Issues first passport with gender-neutral “X” designation

It’s a major step forward in recognizing the rights of people who do not identify as male or female. Early next year, the State Department is also expected to offer options for intersex, non-binary and gender nonconforming people, the State Department said Wednesday.

“I want to reiterate, on the occasion of the issuance of this passport, the State Department’s commitment to promoting the freedom, dignity, and equality of all people, including LGBTQI+ people,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

U.S. special diplomatic envoy for LGBTQ rights Jessica Stern also praised the historic moment and said the government documents will “reflect” people’s true identities on a broader scale.

“When a person gets identity documents that reflect their true identity, they live with greater dignity and respect,” Stern said.

The department did not disclose to whom the passport was issued. A department spokesman declined to disclose whether it was for Dana Zzyym, an intersex Colorado resident who uses them has been pursuing the agency in court since 2015, claiming the government does not typically discuss privacy reasons for individual passport applications.

Zzyym (pronounced Zimm) was denied a passport for failing to check male or female on an application. In another letter, Zzyym put “intersex” above the boxes designated “M” and “F” and asked that the gender “X” be checked instead, according to court documents.

Zzyyn also worked and studied at Colorado State University and served in the Navy as a male, but later came to identify as intersex. Unfortunately, he was unable to attend a meeting of the International Intersex Organization in Mexico because the department rejected his passport.

In June, the State Department indicated that it was working to add a third gender identifier, but that it would take time because it would involve major modifications to the computer system.