Some welcome news for those of us who either have, need or soon will be applying for or picking up United States passports. The U.S. State Department announced yesterday a new policy that no longer requires passport applicants seeking a gender change to have undergone genital reassignment surgery.
Incorrect gender markers on passports are a major concern to tarns people traveling abroad, and can lead to harassment or worse when a passport is presented with a gender marker that doesn't match the person's gender presentation.
The policy, which goes into effect today, allows a gender marker change with a certification from an attending physician.
The doctor's certification must confirm only that the passport applicant has undergone treatment for gender transition. Limited-validity passports for applicants who are in the process of gender transition also will be available under the policy.
