By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Germany issued a travel advisory warning transgender and nonbinary citizens about potential U.S. entry issues stemming from President Trump’s executive order prohibiting “X” gender markers on passports. The advisory urges those with differing gender markers or entries to contact U.S. diplomatic missions beforehand. This follows Trump’s ban on transgender women in female sports and Secretary Rubio’s directive to deny visas to those suspected of misrepresenting their sex, potentially resulting in permanent bans. A lawsuit against the passport directive is currently underway.
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The German government should seriously consider issuing a travel advisory urging trans and non-binary individuals to reconsider visiting the United States. The current political climate presents significant risks to this community, and the potential for arbitrary detention and unjust treatment is alarmingly high.
Recent reports of arbitrary detentions of German citizens, including extended periods of solitary confinement, highlight a worrying trend of disregard for the rule of law. These incidents are not isolated cases; they paint a disturbing picture of a system that seems increasingly prone to targeting individuals based on factors unrelated to any actual wrongdoing. This climate of uncertainty extends beyond German citizens, making it dangerous for any traveler who doesn’t fit a narrow profile of “safe” citizenship.
The sheer number of accounts from people across various identities expressing fear and concern about traveling to the US speaks volumes. Anecdotes shared from individuals within the US itself corroborate these fears, painting a picture of a nation grappling with deeply divisive politics that have created an environment where the safety and well-being of many visitors, regardless of their background or reason for being there, can’t be guaranteed.
The advisory isn’t simply about the risk of detention; it’s about a pervasive atmosphere of intolerance and hostility. Reports suggest that individuals who do not conform to specific societal norms, particularly concerning gender identity and expression, face heightened risks. This creates a chilling effect, discouraging travel and limiting freedom of movement for a significant portion of the population. The potential for harassment, discrimination, and even violence should not be understated.
While some might argue that these concerns are exaggerated or apply only to specific regions, the sheer volume of warnings from diverse sources, ranging from concerned citizens to those directly affected, renders these arguments unconvincing. The documented cases of arbitrary detention and the general sentiment of fear suggest a systemic issue, not isolated incidents.
For the German government, issuing such an advisory would not only be a responsible step in protecting its citizens but also a powerful statement. It would acknowledge the reality of the situation and urge caution, thereby allowing travelers to make informed decisions about their safety and well-being.
Canada’s repeated offering of itself as a safer alternative underscores the urgency of this situation. While the comparison isn’t perfect, the stark contrast between the reported reception of visitors in Canada versus the US reinforces the need for a strong advisory from the German government.
Many have voiced their dismay, not just regarding the treatment of visitors, but also the state of affairs within the US itself. There’s a significant call for change, for a renewed focus on fundamental rights and protections for all citizens and visitors alike. However, until that change occurs, the risk to vulnerable communities remains significant.
This is not simply about travel restrictions; it’s about human rights, the rule of law, and the fundamental safety and security of individuals. The German government has a responsibility to protect its citizens, and a travel advisory for trans and non-binary individuals traveling to the US is a necessary and appropriate response to the current situation. Ignoring this issue would be a serious dereliction of duty. The risk is real, the warnings are clear, and action is needed.