ROCHESTER, N.Y. — U.S. passports and birth certificates will no longer include “X” as a gender option following an executive order from President Donald Trump. The order mandates that the government only recognizes two genders: male and female.

News10NBC’s Tom Kowalski reports on how the nonbinary and transgender community is planning to go forward. The Monroe County Clerk’s Office, along with the Brighton Town Clerk, expressed their concerns in a joint statement. They noted that the implications of this policy change remain unclear.

A primary concern is for those who have already processed passports with the “X” gender marker, as passport fees are non-refundable. The clerks also emphasized their support for Rochester’s LGBTQ+ community, acknowledging the impact of this federal change.

Luca Jutsum, a board member of the Rochester Rainbow Union, addressed the community directly. “So I’m here to remind you that we are human beings, that we are people who just want to be valid, validated, recognized. Government documents aside, we are trans. We have always been trans. We will continue to be trans. So I want to just speak to my community directly and say, don’t worry, we’re going to figure this out.”

Monroe County Clerk Jamie Romeo pledged that her office will continue to assist those who had already selected “X” for their gender marker. She assured that her office remains a safe space for anyone needing help with this issue. The White House stated that passports with an “X” will remain valid as long as they are not expired.

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