U.S. Passport Rules Eased for Transgender People

[Patrick Patin]

http://advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/06/10/US_Passport_Rules_Eased_for_Transgender_People/

 

 

New passport rules announced Wednesday by the U.S. State Department have removed the strict requirement that applicants undergo gender reassignment surgery in order to qualify for a passport gender change.

According to the State Department, “Beginning June 10, when a passport applicant presents a certification from an attending medical physician that the applicant has undergone appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition, the passport will reflect the new gender. The guidelines include detailed information about what information the certification must include. It is also possible to obtain a limited-validity passport if the physician’s statement shows the applicant is in the process of gender transition. No additional medical records are required. Sexual reassignment surgery is no longer a prerequisite for passport issuance. A Consular Report of Birth Abroad can also be amended with the new gender.”

The changes are based on the recommendations of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), the recognized authority in the field, according to the statement.

The State Department said the changes are meant to coincide with Pride month.