US tells airlines to disregard ‘X’ sex markers on passports and input ‘M’ or ‘F’

US Customs and Border Protection has ordered airlines to disregard the "X" sex marker on US passports and input either "M" or "F", leaving thousands of travelers with non-binary identities in a state of panic. The move comes as part of a new rule, which effectively sidelines the more inclusive option introduced two years ago.

Passport holders with the "X" marking are still entitled to use their travel documents, following a court order last year that banned the Trump administration's attempt to ban them under an executive order aimed at restricting access to services based on gender identity. However, this latest development has raised concerns about how travelers will be treated when attempting to board international flights.

Experts warn that the rule could exacerbate existing difficulties faced by trans and non-binary individuals, who often struggle with invasive airport security procedures that rely heavily on physical appearance. One such individual, Dr July Pilowsky, says they've experienced "invasive pat-downs" due to their passport's sex marker, which was initially changed to "X" as a way to avoid unwanted scrutiny.

The new rule has left many wondering how it will be enforced and who will bear the brunt of any potential issues. Andy Izenson, senior legal director at the Chosen Family Law Center, suggests that individual agents may have discretion over whether to flag passports with an "X" marker, potentially leading to inconsistent treatment of travelers.

A CBP spokesperson claims that foreign travelers with valid US travel documents will continue to be processed as usual, but the implications for non-binary individuals remain unclear. Carl Charles, counsel for Lambda Legal, notes that the availability of the "X" option remains a victory, acknowledging that identity documents are essential tools for navigating everyday life.

The policy's intended impact is uncertain, with Izenson hinting that its primary goal may be to create confusion and uncertainty among non-binary travelers, rather than addressing practical concerns. As the rule is rolled out, it remains to be seen how it will affect those who rely on inclusive identity options when traveling abroad.

airlines need to get their act together, can't they just leave the "X" marker alone? thousands of travelers are gonna be stuck in limbo 'cause some dude in a suit thinks it's a good idea to change things again. what about all the trans folks and non-binary people who have been using this marker as a way to avoid getting harassed at airport security? now they're back to square one, dealing with invasive pat-downs and whatnot. this whole thing is just a mess

Ugh, airlines are gonna have to update their systems ASAP ... thousands of people with passports marked "X" (which btw, isn't even a binary option anymore lol) are about to get treated like they're not even real travelers ... what's next, will they need to fill out an extra form for being non-binary? It's already so invasive getting through airport security as it is ... can't we just have some respect for people's identities and not make them choose between "M" or "F"?

I'm low-key freaking out about this . Like, can't we just accept that people's identities are complex and not binary? This new rule is basically taking away a safe way for trans and non-binary folks to travel without getting harassed at airports . I mean, I get that the gov't might be trying to 'simplify' things, but this is just gonna cause more problems in the long run . And what's up with this idea that agents are gonna have discretion over how they treat people with an "X" marker? That's just code for "we're still gonna mess with you", right?

Ugh, this is just great, another thing for me to deal with on a platform where I'm supposed to be discussing news, not babysitting your 2024 passports Can't they just leave the X option alone? Like seriously, who's gonna have the time and energy to figure out what "X" means or not mean it at all? It's gonna cause more problems than solutions. And don't even get me started on the enforcement part... will CBP agents be having some kind of identity crisis when they see an X?

This new policy from US Customs and Border Protection is a huge setback for non-binary individuals and trans people, they'll now have to choose between their real identity and the binary options available... it's just not fair, considering how invasive and stressful airport security procedures already are, adding an "X" marker was a step in the right direction towards inclusivity, now it's being taken away. The potential consequences of this rule are uncertain, but I fear for those who've had to navigate already complicated identity documents... it's just frustrating when progress is rolled back like this.

Ugh, can you believe this?! I mean, I know we've come a long way in terms of accepting non-binary identities, but seriously, what's next? Like, back in my day, we didn't even have passports with 'X' markers, and now they're just going to disregard the whole thing?! It's like, don't get me wrong, I'm all for inclusivity and all that jazz, but can't they just, like, be consistent or something?!

I mean, think about it, if you've got a passport with an 'X' marker, you're basically saying 'hey, I don't fit into either category'. It's like, what even is the point of having a passport if it's not going to accurately reflect who you are?! And now they're just gonna start flagging people for invasive pat-downs and whatnot? No thanks!

And have you seen those experts talking about how this might create more confusion? Like, I get it, but come on, don't we want to make things easier for people who are already struggling?! It's not rocket science, folks! Just treat everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their passport or... whatever.

Ugh this new rule is gonna cause so much stress for people with "X" markers on their passports... like, what even is the point of having that option if they're just gonna ignore it? I feel bad for all the non-binary travelers out there who are already dealing with enough stuff in life. The fact that experts are saying this rule could make things worse and lead to invasive pat-downs is just, like, totally unacceptable . Can't we just, like, leave people alone and let them identify themselves however they want? It's not like it's hurting anyone. And what about all the countries that already accept non-binary identities? Are we just gonna have to pretend like our passports are only valid in certain places? I don't get why this is happening...

ugh, this is so messed up ... I mean, I get that they wanna simplify things, but come on, who cares if we don't put an "M" or "F" on the passport? it's not like it's gonna affect anyone's life directly... or is it? i saw this vid of a trans person trying to travel with their "X" marker and they had to do 3 pat-downs just 'cause of it. that's not cool, man.

and don't even get me started on the whole "confusion" thing... are they really that worried about non-binary travelers getting mixed up? i mean, if we're already using labels like "X", shouldn't that be a clue to some people that we might not fit into traditional categories?

anyway, it's just another example of how backwards society can be. we've made progress on some issues, but then something like this comes along and takes two steps back... i guess all we can do is keep speaking out and hoping for better days ahead

omg what's going on with this new rule?? i mean i get that they wanna make things clear but gotta think about all the non-binary ppl getting anxious cuz of this passport holders with "x" marker are still good to go but what happens when they're tryin to board a flight abroad? and yikes experts say this rule could make things WORSE for trans & non-binary folks already dealin with so much stress at airports can't believe they'd wanna create confusion & uncertainty... i'm just hopin' it doesn't cause any major headaches for ppl tryin to travel

I'm kinda worried about this new rule . I mean, I get that some people might think it's just a simple change, but for non-binary folks like Dr July Pilowsky, it can make all the difference . They've already faced so much trouble with invasive pat-downs and whatnot just because of their passport marking. Now they're gonna have to deal with airlines not recognizing "X" at all? That's a whole lotta stress.

I'm not sure I understand why the government can't just leave things be, you know? The court order last year was a good start, and now this new rule is just kinda... undoing that progress . I'm hoping they'll think about how this might affect people who don't fit into traditional categories of male or female.

It's not like this is the first time we've seen some pretty messed up stuff go down when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, and I'm worried that this new rule might be another example . What do you guys think? Do you think it's a big deal, or just more of the same old thing?

omg u guys cant believe what's happening in US now theyre trying to erase non binary ppl from passports like wut even lol its so unfair that now ppl with x marker have to deal with invasive pat downs and stuff all over again like can't they just leave it as is and allow ppl to be themselves ??? i mean i get the whole security thing but come on how r u gonna enforce this new rule without causing even more stress for these ppl ?? its just not right

This new rule is a perfect example of how even well-intentioned actions can have unintended consequences... Think about it, we're trying to create more acceptance and understanding for non-binary travelers, but in doing so, we're also creating more stress and anxiety for them. It's like we're taking two steps forward, but then stepping back three. What we need to focus on is creating a system that accommodates all identities, not just the ones that are easily recognized. We should be asking ourselves, "What would it feel like if our passport said 'X' and no one knew what that meant?"

It's also making me think about how important it is for us to listen to the voices of those who are marginalized... Dr July Pilowsky's story is a great example of this. We need to amplify their voices, not just acknowledge them. And we need to ask ourselves, "What can I do today to create more inclusivity and acceptance in my own life?"

I mean, what's next? Are they gonna make us choose our own seat on the plane too? "Sorry, ma'am, but you can only sit in that empty row because your 'X' marker says so." And good luck with enforcing this rule, CBP. I'm sure it'll be a real breeze for agents to deal with non-binary travelers who might be feeling stressed enough just trying to get on the plane. I guess some people's idea of progress is just making things more confusing and invasive.

OMG, like what's going on with this new rule ?! Those airlines gotta input "M" or "F", can you even imagine having to choose between being a man and a woman? Like, I get it, some people might want that kinda clarity but for all the trans and non-binary folks out there, it's like they're being forced into this one box or another . And what about those who already had their "X" marker changed? They're good to go, but what if someone else has a similar passport? It's all so confusing . CBP says foreign travelers will still be fine, but I'm like, how are they gonna handle it on the ground? Maybe we should just stick with the original "X" option ...

Ugh, this is so frustrating ! I mean, I get where they're coming from and all that, but can't we just leave people's passports alone? Like, if you've already changed the sex marker to "X" because it's a non-binary option, why do we need to go back to only having M or F? It's like, basic human rights, right?

I feel so bad for all these trans and non-binary folks who are going to have to deal with invasive pat-downs just because their passport has an "X" marker. It's not like they're doing anything wrong, you know? And it's not like the government is really helping them out here either.

I'm all for trying to make things more inclusive and stuff, but sometimes I think we need to take a step back and think about how our policies are actually affecting people. Like, are we really creating a welcoming environment or just causing more stress and anxiety?

Anyway, let's hope that this whole thing gets sorted out soon and we can get some consistency in the passport game. And maybe, just maybe, we can create a system that's inclusive of all genders and identities.

I'm literally shaking thinking about all these people who've been living their lives with that "X" marker and now they gotta deal with this new, outdated rule . Like, what's the point of even having a passport if it's just gonna be a source of stress for non-binary folks? It's not like they're asking for much, just a simple way to acknowledge their identity without having to choose between M or F all the time . And now we're gonna have agents making up rules on the fly? That's just a recipe for disaster . Can't we just leave people alone and let them travel in peace?

Umm... i don't usually comment but... this new rule by US Customs & Border Protection is super confusing ️. I mean, if you're a non-binary traveler with an "X" marker on your passport, it's like the gov is forcing you to choose between being yourself or playing by the rules, you know?

I think it's wild that they're taking away this option without considering how it'll affect people's daily lives. I've heard stories of non-binary folks getting stopped at airport security because of their passport marker and having to deal with invasive pat-downs... no one should have to go through that .

I'm curious to see how this whole thing plays out and who ends up getting the short end of the stick. Will it be individual agents deciding whether to flag passports or what? And what about people who already have their "X" markers changed to avoid unwanted scrutiny in the first place? Did they just get a slap on the wrist or something?

Anyway, i hope this whole ordeal gets sorted out soon and non-binary travelers can travel without worrying about being singled out based on their identity .

THIS IS LIKE, TOTALLY RIDICULOUS!!! WHY WOULD THEY TAKE AWAY THE "X" OPTION AGAIN?! IT'S NOT LIKE PEOPLE WITH NON-BINARY IDENTITIES ARE GOING TO BE ABLE TO JUST CHANGE THEIR PASSPORTS OVERNIGHT . AND NOW WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH INVASIVE SECURITY PROCEDURES BECAUSE OF THIS NEW RULE? IT'S LIKE, SO UNFAIR AND FRUSTRATING!!!

I'm literally fuming about this new US passport policy I mean, what's the point of even having a non-binary option if they're just gonna scrap it? Thousands of people are gonna be left feeling frustrated and humiliated because some bureaucrats think it's too confusing for airline staff. Newsflash: it's not their problem, it's the government's responsibility to create inclusive policies that respect everyone's identity It's like they're playing a game of "let's see who can be the most inconvenient" I'm all for making things easier for travelers, but this is just ridiculous. Let's hope someone takes action and reverses this decision ASAP