Story perspectives

New Airline Rule Ignores 'X' Gender Marker, Sparks Controversy

10/21/2025

Center

Trump's Gender Policy

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection enacted a rule requiring airlines to ignore the 'X' sex marker on passports and use 'M' or 'F'.
The rule aligns with an Executive Order from President Donald J. Trump reinforcing traditional gender definitions.
The 'X' marker was introduced in 2022 to support gender identity inclusivity.
The policy shift raises concerns for third-gender travelers and anxiety among affected communities.

Left

Court Reviews Transgender Ban

The U.S. Court of Appeals panel in Portland, Oregon reviews Shilling v. Trump, challenging the Trump administration's transgender military service ban.
The plaintiffs contend the ban is unconstitutional, while the government frames it as a medical readiness policy.
A Virginia federal judge ordered the Pentagon to restore nearly 600 books and lessons on race and gender in military schools, citing likely First Amendment violations.

History

Historical Context

In 2017, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order that reinforced traditional gender definitions, reversing the Obama administration's 2016 policies aimed at expanding transgender rights, including military service and healthcare access. This shift has led to ongoing legal challenges and societal debates regarding gender identity, particularly affecting third-gender travelers and the interpretation of civil rights protections in the United States.

1 of 3

Trump's Gender Policy

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection enacted a rule requiring airlines to ignore the 'X' sex marker on passports and use 'M' or 'F'.
The rule aligns with an Executive Order from President Donald J. Trump reinforcing traditional gender definitions.
The 'X' marker was introduced in 2022 to support gender identity inclusivity.
The policy shift raises concerns for third-gender travelers and anxiety among affected communities.

1 / 3