Trans activist Zaya Perysian has shared her major victory in a legal battle against the Trump Administration over the removal of the ‘X’ gender marker on passports.
In January, an executive order was signed by President Trump that confirmed the US would only “recognise two sexes” and directed the State Department and Homeland Security “to require that government-issued identification documents, including passports, visas, and Global Entry cards” reflect their sex “at conception”.
The policy means that non-binary people cannot apply for an ‘X’ gender marker, and trans women such as Perysian and model Alex Consani are forced to state their sex assigned at birth rather than their true gender identity on such documents.
A lawsuit, filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on behalf of seven plaintiffs, including Perysian, argued that the order is “attempting to mandate discrimination against transgender people across the federal government and government programs.”
Taking to social media, the ACLU posted an update on the case, writing that a federal judge has ruled that the order is “likely unconstitutional.”
“The court ordered the State Department to allow correct gender makers for our clients as we continue to argue until this order is blocked for everyone,” the announcement added.
Perysian took to TikTok to break the news, explaining that the preliminary injunction only applies to the plaintiffs in the case, rather than the general public.
“Obviously, you can tell I’m happy, but you’re probably wondering what exactly this means, because the case is far from over — but this is a great start,” the influencer shared.
“Even though thousands of people have been affected by this new passport policy, only those involved in the case will be receiving relief for now… but just know the case is not over, and the ACLU is working on it. They are absolutely going to be seeking relief for every trans, non-binary, and intersex person who has been affected in this country.”
She concluded: “I’m very happy, and I’m very honoured to be part of this — history in the making, essentially,” adding, “this is still a win.”
@zayaperysian MAJOR LAWSUIT UPDATE words cannot express my gratitude for the @ACLU The fight is not over !! #passport #lawsuit ♬ original sound – Zaya
In April, trans Canadian singer Bells Larsen was forced to cancel his US tour over the administration’s anti-trans visa rules.
Larsen cancelled his tour following the Trump administration’s legislation that required IDs, including passports and visas, to show a person’s sex as “either male or female”.
Taking to Instagram, Larsen confirmed that his tour will be cancelled following the American Federation of Musicians stating that he can no longer apply for a visa that aligns with his gender.
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