Concerns Mount Over Restrictions Following Trump’s Gender Policy Shift
Several European nations are cautioning transgender and nonbinary travelers about potential difficulties entering the United States after President Donald Trump’s administration implemented strict sex-based definitions. Finland, Denmark, and Germany have all issued advisories urging travelers to seek guidance from US embassies before departure.
Since returning to office, Trump has enacted policies defining sex as strictly male or female, an immutable biological trait, and has directed the US Department of Health to enforce these classifications across federal agencies. This has led to the rollback of previous policies that allowed more inclusive gender identification in official documents, including passports.
European Countries Issue Travel Warnings
Denmark’s Foreign Ministry updated its US travel advisory on Thursday, recommending that individuals whose passports list an “X” gender marker or who have undergone a gender change consult the US embassy in Copenhagen before traveling.
“If your passport has the gender designation X or you have changed gender, it is recommended to contact the US embassy prior to travel for guidance on how to proceed,” the advisory states.
This follows a similar update from Finland a week earlier. While not directly referencing Trump’s executive orders, the Finnish advisory clarifies that “there are two gender designations to choose from: male or female” when applying for a US visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval.
Germany’s Federal Foreign Office has also updated its travel guidance, warning that US visa and ESTA applications require selecting either “male” or “female.” The advisory recommends that individuals whose gender marker is X or differs from their assigned sex at birth seek clarification from US authorities before traveling.
Passport Policy Rollback Raises Concerns
The advisories come in the wake of the US State Department’s suspension of a policy that previously allowed trans, nonbinary, and intersex Americans to update their passport sex markers. Under the Biden administration, individuals were permitted to self-select their sex designation, including an “X” option for those identifying outside the traditional binary. However, this policy has now been reversed under Trump’s leadership.
The shift reflects a broader move by the administration to reinstate traditional gender norms in official documentation. Under Trump’s policies, terms such as “mother” and “father” have replaced gender-neutral alternatives like “parent one” and “parent two.”
Sweeping Policy Changes on Gender Rights
Trump’s return to office has led to the widespread rollback of transgender rights protections. The administration has ended federal support for gender-affirming medical treatments for minors, citing concerns about “chemical and surgical mutilation.” In addition, a series of executive orders have banned what Trump refers to as “radical gender ideology” in the military and barred transgender women from competing in female sports.
Future plans reportedly include preventing transgender athletes from participating in US-hosted global events, including the 2028 Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.
As these policies take effect, concerns are growing among human rights organizations and international travelers alike. With European governments now issuing formal warnings, transgender and nonbinary individuals are being urged to carefully assess potential entry complications before heading to the US.
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