The Canadian government has issued a warning for citizens holding passports with an “X” gender identifier. Travelers with this designation may face challenges entering the United States and other nations. This advisory was recently added to the travel advice page of the Department of Global Affairs.
Canada’s Advisory for 2SLGBTQ+ Passport Holders
According to the advisory, while Canada allows “X” as a gender marker on passports, there is no guarantee of acceptance in other countries. The notice states, “You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the ‘X’ gender identifier.” Furthermore, Canadians may still be asked for their sex or gender information, which must be provided as either male or female during travel.
Context and Background
This warning comes in response to an executive order signed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, mandating that U.S. documents only recognize two genders: male and female. This order is currently under judicial review, with the U.S. administration seeking to reverse a district court ruling that prohibits enforcing its restrictions on passport issuance.
- Estimated Passport Holders: As of January, around 3,600 Canadians have chosen “X” as their gender on passports.
- Availability: The option for “X” has been available since 2019.
- Recent Changes: In February, U.S. Customs and Border Protection updated Nexus card applications to exclude the “X” gender marker.
Recent Developments and Uncertainty
The Department of Global Affairs updated its advisories for all destinations on September 23, with specific changes for the United States noted on September 29. However, the department has not commented on what prompted these changes or if there have been specific incidents linked to the “X” designation.
In a related issue, Canadian travelers might experience further scrutiny when entering the U.S. The Canada Border Services Agency also noted earlier this year that new applications and renewals for Nexus trusted traveler cards would no longer accommodate “X” as a gender option.
Implications for Travelers
Canadian citizens with “X” gender identifiers on their passports should be aware of potential challenges while traveling to the U.S. This includes increased scrutiny and the possibility of being required to provide gender information as male or female. The evolving legal landscape and differing international recognition of gender markers remain significant considerations for travelers.
As nations continue to navigate their policies regarding gender identity, it is crucial for 2SLGBTQ+ travelers to stay informed about any travel advisories and to plan accordingly. El-Balad will continue to monitor updates regarding this situation and provide relevant information to travelers.
