US issues first passport marked with gender "X"

These passports do not need a visa in almost 200 countries 0:57

(CNN) -

The US State Department issued the first US passport with a gender marker "X" as it seeks to implement gender-inclusive policies, the department announced Wednesday.

The Department announced in June that it would update its procedures to allow applicants to self-select their sex marker for passports and that it will "no longer require medical certification" if an applicant's self-selected sex marker does not match the sex listed. in other official identity documents.

"As announced by the Secretary (of State) in June, the Department will allow the addition of a gender marker X for non-binary, intersex and gender non-conforming individuals applying for a US passport or CRBA," said state spokesman Ned Price in a statement.

• Americans face months of wait to obtain a passport, due to a huge delay at the State Department

"I want to reiterate, on the occasion of the issuance of this passport, the commitment of the State Department to promote the freedom, dignity and equality of all people, including LGBTQI + people."

The option with the new marker will be offered to routine passport applicants after the department completes system and form updates in early 2022, Price said.

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Transgender rights activists have long said that having incorrect identifications could lead to harassment and discrimination from members of the LGBTQ community.

In a statement recognizing Intersex Awareness Day, the State Department said Monday that it was US policy to end "violence and discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and sexual characteristics." .

The United States joins Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries with similar gender-inclusive passport policies.

At least 20 states and Washington have also implemented similar changes to state documentation, including New Jersey, which enacted the change in April after delaying it last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Passports