Hunter Schafer’s Passport Misgendering Highlights Transgender Struggles
Hunter Schafer, a transgender woman and star of HBO’s hit teen drama Euphoria, recently revealed that her new U.S. passport lists her as male, despite selecting female when she filled out the paperwork.
In a TikTok video, Schafer showed the “M” marker on her new passport, expressing shock and frustration. “I was shocked,” she said. “I just didn’t think it was actually going to happen.” Her previous passport had correctly listed her as female.
Schafer, 26, criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies regarding gender, which she believes played a role in the misgendering. On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order declaring that only two sexes—male and female—are recognized by the U.S. government, and these designations cannot be changed. Under this policy, passports are issued with male or female markers, based on the sex recorded at birth.
Previously, under the Biden administration, Americans were able to select their gender identity for passports, and a third option—“X” for non-binary, intersex, and gender non-conforming individuals—was introduced in 2022. Schafer had applied for a replacement passport after losing her previous one while filming abroad. She filled out the forms to reflect her gender identity as female, but the passport she received listed her as male.
Schafer said she plans to travel abroad soon and anticipates facing difficulties at the airport due to the incorrect gender on her passport. She believes the misgendering is a direct result of the current administration’s policies, adding that it’s not just a political debate but something that is affecting real people.
Trump’s executive order claims that “male and female sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality.” It further adds that “‘Sex’ is not a synonym for and does not include the concept of ‘gender identity’.”
The U.S. State Department, which issues passports, maintains that it will only issue passports with an “M” or “F” sex marker that matches the individual’s biological sex at birth. Schafer, upon learning about Trump’s executive order, initially dismissed it, saying, “I’ll believe it when I see it.” However, after receiving her passport, she now feels it’s important to speak out. “This is real and it’s happening,” she told her followers. “No one—no matter their wealth, race, or status—is excluded.”
Schafer also shared that while she had successfully changed her gender markers for her driver’s license and passport when she was a teenager, her birth certificate was never amended. She anticipates that the incorrect passport will force her to “out” herself more often, especially when dealing with border patrol agents.
In addition to her advocacy, Schafer continues to portray a transgender teenager, Jules Vaughn, on Euphoria, a character with a complex relationship with the main character, Rue.
Hunter Schafer’s Experience: A Personal Account of Misgendering
Hunter Schafer, a transgender actress and model, shared her frustration in a TikTok video where she revealed that her new passport incorrectly listed her as male. Despite filling out the paperwork with her gender marker as female, Schafer received a passport that did not reflect her identity.
“I filled everything out just like I normally would. I put female,” Schafer explained, adding, “When I opened it up, they had changed the marker to male.” This error highlights a common issue in the transgender community, where bureaucratic systems often fail to acknowledge gender identity properly.
Why Misgendering on Official Documents Matters
Misgendering on official documents, such as passports, driver’s licenses, and social security records, is more than just a mistake. It creates significant personal and societal challenges for transgender individuals. Here are some reasons why this issue is so critical:
- Discrimination and Stigma: Misgendering can lead to discriminatory treatment in public spaces, including airports, hospitals, or government offices.
- Psychological Toll: It can negatively affect mental health, leading to feelings of invalidation and anxiety.
- Legal and Bureaucratic Hurdles: Incorrect documents require individuals to navigate time-consuming and often costly processes to correct.
The Impact of Trump-Era Policies on Gender Recognition
Schafer attributed the issue to the rollback of transgender rights during the Trump administration. One of the key policies under Trump was an executive order that recognized only two genders—male and female—and required government documents to reflect an individual’s sex assigned at birth, not their gender identity. This policy change affected many transgender people, especially those seeking to update their gender marker on official documents.
Despite changes in the administration, these policies still have lingering effects, and Schafer’s experience illustrates how these legal challenges continue to impact the trans community.
The Need for Reform: Gender Recognition on Legal Documents
The current system makes it difficult for transgender individuals to have their gender identity recognized on official documents, leading to a host of legal and personal challenges. Here’s what needs to change:
- Allowing Gender-Neutral Options: Legal documents should include gender-neutral options, allowing individuals to choose a gender marker that truly represents their identity.
- Streamlining the Process for Updates: Transgender people should have an easier, less costly process to update their gender marker on all official records.
- Stronger Legal Protections: Expanding anti-discrimination laws to protect transgender people in all areas of life, including education, employment, and healthcare, is essential.
Hunter Schafer’s Advocacy for Transgender Rights
Although Schafer was initially shocked by the misgendering incident, she used her platform to draw attention to the broader issue. “I guess I’m just sort of scared of the way this stuff like slowly gets implemented,” she said. Schafer is using her experience to advocate for changes in how transgender individuals are treated by legal and governmental systems, emphasizing that these issues are not just political but affect real people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happened with Hunter Schafer’s passport?
Hunter Schafer revealed that her new passport misgenders her by listing her as male, despite filling out the form as female.
2. How does misgendering on official documents affect trans people?
Misgendering can lead to discrimination, emotional distress, and legal challenges, making it harder for transgender individuals to be recognized in society.
3. Why is Hunter Schafer’s experience significant?
Her experience highlights the ongoing struggles of transgender individuals to have their gender identity recognized in official records, despite efforts to roll back protections.
4. What are the key issues with gender recognition on legal documents?
Current systems often fail to acknowledge transgender people’s identities, creating significant obstacles in obtaining correct identification and dealing with bureaucratic systems.
5. What policies during the Trump administration affected transgender people?
Trump’s policies included the rollback of protections for transgender individuals, including the refusal to recognize gender identity changes on government documents and banning transgender military service.
6. What can be done to improve gender recognition for transgender people?
Reforming systems to allow gender-neutral markers on documents, simplifying the process for updating gender information, and enacting stronger legal protections can help improve the situation.
Conclusion
Hunter Schafer’s experience with misgendering on her passport is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the transgender community. This incident highlights the need for systemic reform to ensure that transgender individuals are recognized for who they truly are in all aspects of life. By updating legal systems to reflect gender identity and expanding protections, society can move closer to a more inclusive future where transgender individuals are not forced to navigate unnecessary obstacles.
