Donald Trump’s executive order signed in January, banning the recognition of non-binary and transgender identities on U.S. passports, quickly sparked controversy. The order reinforced a binary view of gender—male and female only—and extended to federal prison policies, preventing transgender women from being housed in female facilities. The Biden administration had previously allowed non-binary individuals to choose ‘X’ as their gender on passports starting in October 2021. Trump’s order froze that provision, requiring individuals to list their biological s** on official documents. The move drew strong criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and affected individuals. In response, the ACLU sued the Trump administration, arguing the policy violated constitutional rights and exposed transgender and non-binary people to discrimination. Federal Judge Julia Kobick recently blocked the order, calling it irrational and a violation of equal protection guarantees. Her ruling temporarily restores the ability for transgender and non-binary individuals to have their gender identity recognized on passports
