Transgender Euphoria Star Experiences Passport Mishap: Listings Challenge Gender Recognition

Hunter Schafer, a transgender actress from HBO's Euphoria, revealed a major issue with her new US passport which incorrectly lists her as male. Citing Trump's policies, she discusses the implications of such classifications amidst the ongoing debate on gender identity in the US.

Hunter Schafer, a transgender woman and star of the popular HBO series Euphoria, has recently voiced her shock after discovering that her new US passport identifies her as male, despite her having indicated female on the application. During a TikTok video, Schafer showcased the passport's "M" designation, expressing disbelief at the error, especially since her previous passport had correctly identified her gender.

Schafer, 26, criticized the policies enacted under former President Donald Trump, who on his first day in office, issued an executive order that formally recognized only two sexes—male and female—as immutable. This ruling has implications for many transgender individuals, as the US now issues passports that align with sex assigned at birth rather than gender identity.

When Schafer applied for a new passport after losing her previous one abroad, she completed the necessary forms to reflect her gender identity accurately. However, upon receiving the replacement, the incorrect designation left her concerned about potential complications during her upcoming travel.

Expressing her frustration, Schafer articulated her belief that such errors reflect the broader challenges posed by the current administration concerning transgender rights. Trump’s executive order emphasizes a strict binary understanding of sex that does not accommodate gender identity, reinforcing a discussion around how policies can impact real lives.

The US State Department states on its website that it will only issue passports that correspond with an individual's biological sex at birth, thereby limiting options for those who identify as non-binary or gender non-conforming. In Schafer’s case, the mismatch could bring additional scrutiny from border agents, forcing her to disclose her gender identity more frequently than she would prefer.

While she successfully altered her gender markers for her driver's license and passport at a young age, her birth certificate remains unchanged, complicating the situation further. Her experience emphasizes the ongoing challenges faced by transgender individuals and highlights the need for more inclusive policies that acknowledge gender identities beyond merely biological classifications. The conversation surrounding gender identity in the US continues to evolve, punctuated by personal stories such as Schafer's, as advocates call for recognition and rights for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.