Updates Regarding Gender Marker Designation and Passports

Late last night, Sept. 12, 2018, the U.S. Department of State made substantial changes to the gender marker designation page for U.S. passports. Many of the changes involve altering the language of “gender” to “sex.” Other substantial changes include the removal of links to resources like the World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) and the addition of paragraphs highlighting provisional passports for transgender people.

As communicated by the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE), the Dept. of State’s policy for allowing transgender people to obtain correctly gendered documentation has not changed at this time. The Dept. of State is still offering 2-year provisional passports and standard 10-year passports for people who are transitioning. The process has also still remained the same, and information pertaining to that is available at the NCTE link above and at travel.state.gov.

However, we are encouraging transgender students — who may be interested in study abroad opportunities or who would simply like a correctly gendered passport — to consider applying for a passport in the very near future, in the event that this substantial website change precedes future alterations to this Dept. of State policy.

If you are a transgender person and wish to obtain a correctly gendered passport, you will need the following: the relevant passport form (Form DS-11 or Form DS-5504), an identification card that resembles your current appearance, a passport photo that resembles your current appearance, a medical certification from the medical professional overseeing your transition, and proof of legal name change (if applicable). Full details on this process and important information about paperwork are available from the National Center for Transgender Equality.

Finally, please note that the ODEI retains support funds to assist students who may have a financial need. If you are a transgender student who is need of resources to obtain a correctly gendered passport, please contact either Timothy Bussey, Assistant Director for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, at bussey1@kenyon.edu or Meghan Mason, Assistant Director for the Center for Global Engagement, at masonm@kenyon.edu.

Sincerely,

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Center for Global Engagement