US expands gender passport identification options
U.S. passport holders who identify as nonbinary, intersex or gender-nonconforming will now have the option to officially self-identify as such on their passports, the Department of State announced on Wednesday, June 30.
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Additionally, the department will no longer require medical certification during the passport application process if an applicant's self-selected gender differs from the gender on other citizenship or identity documents, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said in a press statement.
"The Department has begun moving towards adding a gender marker for nonbinary, intersex, and gender non-conforming persons applying for a passport or CRBA," said Blinken, who also noted that this is a "technologically complex process" that will take time.
Related: Should you apply for or renew a passport right now? Everything you need to know
Currently, the only gender options available for U.S. passport holders are M and F, for male and female respectively, and the third option will now be marked by an X to allow for gender-neutral individuals, as reported by the New York Times, which also noted that the U.S. will be joining more than six other countries already operating under similar measures, including Canada.
Related: When and how to renew your passport
"In line with the (Biden) Administration’s commitment to re-engage with allies and partners, the Department is taking these steps after considerable consultation with like-minded governments who have undertaken similar changes," Blinken continued. "We also value our continued engagement with the LGBTQI+ community, which will inform our approach and positions moving forward. With this action, I express our enduring commitment to the LGBTQI+ community today and moving forward."
Related: Why I renewed our passports in the midst of a pandemic and how long it took
The department's decision acknowledges the 20 states plus Washington, D.C., that already allow residents to mark M, F or X on their driver's license, including Arkansas, Minnesota and California, as well as the Northeast and Pacific Northwest, among others.
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There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
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- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
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- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
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- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees