Hunter Schafer's New Passport Labels Her as Male Under Trump Policy

Transgender actress Hunter Schafer, who played a role in HBO's Euphoria, recently shared a shocking news update on her new passport. Even though she selected "female" on the form, Schafer's new passport labels her as "male." She announced the change on a TikTok video, saying that the change happened due to the Trump administration's new gender marker policy.

Hunter Schafer's Journey

Hunter Schafer, 26 years old, has been a voice to reckon with among the LGBTQ+ population. She became international sensation playing the role of Jules Vaughn, who happens to be a trans teen in Euphoria. She also appeared in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, sharing the screen space with Viola Davis, Peter Dinklage, Tom Blyth, and Rachel Zegler.

In her video, Schafer explained that her passport was stolen while she was shooting overseas and she then applied for a new one. Although she had changed the gender on her driver's license and previous passport to female when she was a teenager, she was still male on her birth certificate. That, combined with the recent change in federal policy, led to the unexpected gender marker on her new passport.

Raising Awareness

Schafer clarified that she wasn't sharing her experience for sympathy but to highlight the real-world consequences of the policy change.

"I just didn't think it was actually going to happen," she said. "I'm scared of how these things little by little get implemented… We start to normalize the conditions we're living in."

She explained that while the incorrect gender marker does not change who she is, it is a problem, especially with international travel. She expressed concerns about an imminent trip and potential difficulty she would face due to the inconsistency.

Changes in Gender Marker Policies

Based on a new executive order, there are only two biological sexes—female and male—recognized by the government, which labels them based on reproductive characteristics and not gender. This policy is in place to prevent "gender extremism" based on what the administration believes.

As a result, the State Department has stopped issuing passports that include the "X" gender marker, something that had previously been available for nonbinary individuals. In addition, people are no longer permitted to alter the gender listed on their passport except if it matches their birth certificate. Applications to change the gender marker that had already been pending have been halted.

Another significant shift is the omission of transgender and intersex references from State Department web travel guides. The once-named page for "LGBTQI+" travelers now merely contains "LGB," omitting tips for transgender and intersex travelers.

The Impact of These Changes

The majority of the transgender and nonbinary community are concerned about how these policies will affect their safety while traveling. Being unable to alter gender markers on identification documents can lead to issues at border crossings, increased scrutiny, and possible discrimination.

Schafer's experience highlights the personal impact of such policy shifts. She explained that the change on her passport doesn't change who she is, but it does remind her that transgender rights are being erased in government policy.

"This is real, and it's happening," she said, urging people to pay attention to such changes and advocate for transgender rights.

Looking Ahead

The policy shift is one aspect of a broader national conversation on gender identity and legal status. Activists worry that the reforms will lead to further restrictions on transgender rights in healthcare, education, and public services.

For Schafer and others like her, the new rules impose hassles on day-to-day life, from travel to verification of identification. Her case highlights the true impact of policy measures and the importance of keeping the conversation open on gender identity and legal protections.