Prominent model and actress Hunter Schafer, widely recognized as one of Hollywood’s leading transgender figures, recently shared her experience regarding an incorrect gender marker on her new passport. In a video posted online, Schafer revealed that despite selecting female on her application, her passport was issued with a male gender designation.
Best known for her role on HBO’s acclaimed series “Euphoria,” Schafer explained that while she had previously updated her driver’s license and passport in her teenage years, her birth certificate remains unchanged. After losing her passport, she initiated the replacement process, only to find that the gender marker on the new document did not align with her identity.
Schafer pointed out the implications of policies implemented during the Trump administration, specifically an executive order that limited gender recognition to those assigned at birth. She noted that this has significantly impacted transgender individuals attempting to update their gender markers on official documents. With the recent changes, the Bureau of Consular Affairs has halted applications for passport gender marker changes, leaving many feeling marginalized.
Reflecting on this experience, Schafer stated, “Trans people are beautiful. We are never going to stop existing. I’m never gonna stop being trans. A letter and a passport can’t change that.” Her aim in sharing her story is to raise awareness rather than incite fear or drama.
This incident highlights the ongoing struggles faced by transgender individuals in navigating bureaucracy and the importance of continued advocacy for inclusive policies. The ability to choose “X” as a gender marker was introduced in 2022 under the Biden administration, yet challenges remain as exemplified by Schafer’s situation.
As society progresses towards greater acceptance and understanding of transgender issues, stories like Schafer’s serve as a reminder of both the strides made and the work that still lies ahead.