Hunter Schafer's experience highlights ongoing issues surrounding gender identity recognition in the US.
Hunter Schafer Shocked by Male Designation on New US Passport
Hunter Schafer Shocked by Male Designation on New US Passport
Transgender Euphoria star reveals gender designation mix-up, citing policy impact.
In a recent TikTok video, Hunter Schafer, known for her role in HBO's acclaimed series Euphoria, expressed her disbelief after receiving a new US passport that incorrectly lists her as male, despite requesting a female designation. “I was shocked,” the 26-year-old stated, showing her passport’s "M" marker.
Schafer's previous passport indicated her as female, making the change particularly jarring. She criticized former President Donald Trump’s policies, which she believes contributed to the mix-up. Upon taking office, Trump enacted an executive order that strictly recognizes only two sexes—male and female—based on biological sex at birth, effectively barring changes to gender designation.
The current passport policy limits Americans to a binary choice of "M" or "F," though the Biden administration began offering an "X" option for non-binary individuals last year. Schafer applied for a new passport after losing her old one while working abroad, and despite filling out forms as female, her replacement passport arrived with a male designation.
Anticipating complications during her upcoming international travel, Schafer voiced her concern that this situation will force her to disclose her transgender status more frequently than necessary. Reflecting on the implications of the policy she faced, she remarked, “It's important to share that it's not just talk - that this is real and it's happening.”
Previously, Schafer, who transitioned her gender markers on her driver's license and other identity documents as a teenager, still has an unamended birth certificate. Her experience underscores the ongoing struggle for transgender individuals who face systemic barriers in the US regarding recognition and reflection of their true selves in official documents.
As the third season of Euphoria continues to air, Schafer's portrayal of Jules Vaughn—a character navigating her own complicated identity—serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities surrounding gender identity in contemporary society.
Schafer's previous passport indicated her as female, making the change particularly jarring. She criticized former President Donald Trump’s policies, which she believes contributed to the mix-up. Upon taking office, Trump enacted an executive order that strictly recognizes only two sexes—male and female—based on biological sex at birth, effectively barring changes to gender designation.
The current passport policy limits Americans to a binary choice of "M" or "F," though the Biden administration began offering an "X" option for non-binary individuals last year. Schafer applied for a new passport after losing her old one while working abroad, and despite filling out forms as female, her replacement passport arrived with a male designation.
Anticipating complications during her upcoming international travel, Schafer voiced her concern that this situation will force her to disclose her transgender status more frequently than necessary. Reflecting on the implications of the policy she faced, she remarked, “It's important to share that it's not just talk - that this is real and it's happening.”
Previously, Schafer, who transitioned her gender markers on her driver's license and other identity documents as a teenager, still has an unamended birth certificate. Her experience underscores the ongoing struggle for transgender individuals who face systemic barriers in the US regarding recognition and reflection of their true selves in official documents.
As the third season of Euphoria continues to air, Schafer's portrayal of Jules Vaughn—a character navigating her own complicated identity—serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities surrounding gender identity in contemporary society.
