The Impact of the 2025 Executive Order on Individuals with ‘X’ Gender Markers
If you’re someone who uses an ‘X’ marker on your documents to reflect your gender identity, this moment might feel unsettling. The 2025 executive order, “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” has left many in our community feeling erased and worried about what comes next. Let’s talk about what this change means, how it could affect you, and what you can do to protect your identity.
What Changed?
The executive order essentially eliminates federal recognition of anything outside the binary of “male” and “female,” as defined by biological sex at birth. This means the ‘X’ marker, which has been a lifeline for many non-binary and gender-diverse people, is no longer recognized under federal systems. While this may not immediately impact your state documents, federal agencies like the Social Security Administration (SSA) or State Department may require you to switch to “M” or “F” when you renew or update your records.
This change might feel like a step backward—it’s not just about paperwork; it’s about your right to exist as your authentic self in spaces that should honor and respect you.
How This Might Affect You
Passports and International Travel
If you currently have an ‘X’ marker on your passport, it will stay valid until it expires. But when you go to renew it, you might face a painful choice: choose “M” or “F,” neither of which feels right, or risk not having a valid passport. For those of us who travel or need international identification, this can feel like an added layer of stress and invalidation.
Social Security Records
If you updated your Social Security records to reflect your ‘X’ marker, this order might force you to revert to “M” or “F.” The mismatch between federal and state records could complicate things like taxes, healthcare, or job applications.
Federal Employment and Services
If you’re employed by the federal government, your personnel records may be updated without your consent to reflect a binary gender marker. Similarly, accessing federal programs and services may require you to select a marker that doesn’t represent your identity.
Healthcare Access
Federally funded healthcare programs may no longer acknowledge non-binary identities. This could create barriers to receiving affirming care, especially if your federal documents now conflict with your state-issued IDs.
Document Mismatches
Even if your state allows you to keep the ‘X’ marker on your driver’s license or birth certificate, the federal government’s refusal to recognize it could cause frustrating mismatches. Whether it’s at the airport, applying for jobs, or dealing with insurance, these inconsistencies might leave you explaining your identity over and over again.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
I want to acknowledge something first: this is exhausting. The burden to “prepare” or “protect” yourself in the face of policies that erase your existence shouldn’t fall on you. But for now, here are some steps that might help:
1. Hold Onto Your Documents
If you’ve already updated your federal documents to reflect your ‘X’ marker, keep copies of everything. Your passport, Social Security records, and any other federal IDs with the ‘X’ marker are tangible proof of the progress you’ve made.
2. Monitor Federal Policies
Agencies like the SSA and State Department will issue specific guidance on how they’re implementing this order. Stay informed, but also lean on trusted advocacy organizations to help you navigate these updates—they’re here for you.
3. Update What You Can, While You Can
If you’ve been putting off updating documents, consider doing it now. You might still be able to make changes before the federal agencies fully implement this order.
4. Lean on Legal and Community Resources
Organizations like Lambda Legal, The National Center for Transgender Equality, and The Trevor Project are standing by to support you. Whether it’s navigating document changes or fighting for your rights, you don’t have to do this alone.
5. Advocate Locally
Many states still allow ‘X’ markers on driver’s licenses and birth certificates. Advocate for these rights and make sure your state-issued documents reflect who you are.
You Are Not Alone
This order may try to erase non-binary and gender-diverse identities on paper, but it can never erase your truth. You are valid. You are seen. And you are loved.
It’s okay to feel frustrated, scared, or angry. It’s okay to mourn this setback. But please don’t forget that there are people and organizations ready to stand beside you and fight for a world where your identity is respected, not erased.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to a trusted friend, a supportive community, or one of the many organizations fighting for trans and non-binary rights. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Your existence matters, and together, we’ll find ways to keep moving forward—even in the face of challenges like these.