Gender Marker

Puerto Rico Allows Third Gender Option on Birth Certificates

Puerto Rico’s Supreme Court ruled that nonbinary and gender-nonconforming individuals can now select an ‘X’ gender marker on their birth certificates, following a lawsuit filed by six affected individuals. This decision marks a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights in the country, overturning previous limitations. The ruling builds upon a 2015 federal court order allowing transgender individuals to change their gender marker, expanding legal recognition to a broader spectrum of gender identities. Governor Jenniffer González Colón is reviewing the ruling with the Justice Department.

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State Department Blocks Passports for Trans Americans, Sparking Outrage

The State Department has halted the issuance of U.S. passports with “X” gender markers, suspending all applications to update gender markers on existing passports. This action, mandated by a presidential executive order, affects transgender and nonbinary individuals, causing confusion and jeopardizing travel plans. The policy change, which reflects a move to only recognize male and female sex assigned at birth, leaves many without crucial identification documents and potentially exposes them to increased risks. This reversal of previous policy creates significant hardship and uncertainty for the affected community, highlighting a significant setback in LGBTQ+ rights.

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