In a controversial move, the United States has announced that travelers will no longer be able to travel with passports that identify them as “Transgender.”
Individuals who recently sought to renew their passports are finding that their gender markers are being updated to either male or female, with no further options available.
The new policy is being implemented amid concerns that many countries do not recognize same-sex marriages or support transgender rights.
In a statement, the US government made it clear that if citizens travel to these nations and face legal challenges related to their gender identity or same-sex relationships, the US will not intervene or offer protection.
One individual affected by this change is transgender activist Zaya Perysian, who took to social media to express frustration over being forced to revert to his original gender designation of male on his passport.
Perysian, who had previously updated his passport to reflect his gender identity, stated that he is unhappy with the recent forced change.
This policy shift follows earlier comments from President Donald Trump, who had encouraged transgender individuals to choose whether they identify as male or female, stating that the decision should be clear-cut.