(WWJ) -- A huge milestone for nonbinary and intersex Americans, the State Department on Wednesday issued the first passport with an “X” gender designation, which denotes that someone identifies as neither female nor male.
The historic passport was issued to Dana Zzyym of Fort Collins, Colo., according to the Associated Press. Zzymm, 63, is a U.S. Navy veteran and had been in a legal battle over the status of their passport, dating back to 2015.
The United States' special diplomatic envoy for LGBTQ rights, Jessica Stern, calls the moves historic and celebratory. Stern says they bring the government documents in line with the "lived reality" that there is a wider spectrum of human sex characteristics than is reflected in the previous two designations.
Nonbinary and intersex Americans make up an estimated 1.2 million and 4 million Americans, respectively, according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, and interACT, an intersex advocacy group.
Due to a patchwork of state laws across the country, intersex, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming people have been unable to obtain IDs that accurately reflect who they are.
Jessica Stern, the U.S.’ special diplomatic envoy for LGBTQ rights, called this move historic and celebratory.
“When a person obtains identity documents that reflect their true identity, they live with greater dignity and respect,” Stern said.
The State Department said that it expects to be able to offer the "X" designation to more people early next year.
Related
