US issues first passport with 'X' gender marker
It recognizes people who don't identify as male or female.
All Americans will be able to choose a "X" gender designation on passport applications next year.
The US has issued its first passport with an "X" gender designation, the State Department said Wednesday. The move acknowledges people who don't identify as male or female.
The State Department will offer this option on all passport applications in early 2022, noting that it underscores the department's "commitment to promoting the freedom, dignity, and equality of all people -- including LGBTQI+ persons."
The new option allows more people "to live with greater dignity and respect" by getting official documents that reflect their true identity, Jessica Stern, the US special envoy to advance the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex persons, told the Associated Press.
The department didn't say who received the first passport, telling CNET via email that it "does not generally comment on individual passport applications due to privacy considerations."