US issues first 'X' gender passport

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US has issued its first "X" gender passport, the State Department announced Wednesday in what marks a milestone for those who do not identify as male or female.

In announcing the "X" passport, spokesman Ned Price said the State Department looks "forward to offering this option to all routine passport applicants once we complete the required system and form updates in early 2022."

"I want to reiterate, on the occasion of this passport issuance, the Department of State’s commitment to promoting the freedom, dignity, and equality of all people – including LGBTQI+ persons," he said.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the changes in June, saying the process to update the department's system to include the "X" designation "is technologically complex and will take time for extensive systems updates."

He said at the time that individuals would no longer need to submit medical certification if their "self-selected gender does not match the gender on their other citizenship or identity documents."

The State Department did not identify the individual who received the passport. The designation is for individuals who are non-binary, intersex or gender non-conforming.

Only a handful of other countries allow a passport applicant to select a gender other than male or female.