Hunter Schafer, a well-known transgender actor, recently shared her experience of receiving a passport that lists her sex as male instead of female. This change happened due to a new executive order signed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which mandates that government documents must reflect a person’s biological sex at birth. In a heartfelt TikTok video, Schafer expressed her shock and disappointment, explaining how this policy affects the transgender community.
Hunter Schafer’s Unexpected Discovery
Hunter Schafer, a popular transgender actor known for her role in Euphoria, recently opened up about a surprising and upsetting experience. When she received her new passport, she was shocked to find that her sex was listed as male instead of female. This was the first time in her life that an official document did not recognize her gender identity.
In a TikTok video posted on Friday, the 26-year-old actor spoke about the challenges she faced due to a new policy introduced by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The executive order, signed on Trump’s first day back in office in January, declared that the U.S. government would recognize only two sexes—male and female—and that these sexes are “not changeable.” As a result, passports, visas, and other official documents must now list a person’s sex as assigned at birth.
How the Policy Affected Schafer
Schafer explained in her video that she needed a new passport because her previous one was stolen while she was filming in Barcelona last year. When she applied for a replacement at a federal passport agency in Los Angeles, she went through the usual steps. She filled out the forms, selected female as her sex, and provided all necessary documents. Since all her previous identification—such as her driver’s license—had marked her sex as female for years, she did not expect any issues.
However, when she picked up her new passport, she immediately noticed the change. The document listed her sex as male. “I was shocked,” she said. “I just didn’t think it was actually going to happen.”
Trump’s Executive Order and Its Impact
The policy that affected Schafer was part of a larger executive order signed by Trump in January. This order reversed a rule from the Biden administration, which allowed transgender individuals to have their gender identity reflected on official documents. Under Biden’s policy, U.S. citizens could choose M (male), F (female), or X (unspecified) as their sex on passports.
Now, the Bureau of Consular Affairs has updated its guidelines. The agency’s website states: “We will only issue passports with an M or F sex marker that matches the customer’s biological sex at birth.” This means that even if someone has legally changed their gender on other documents, their passport will still reflect the sex they were assigned at birth.
Schafer explained that this change could create significant difficulties for transgender people, especially those who travel frequently. She pointed out that having a passport that does not match a person’s gender identity could lead to confusion, discrimination, and even safety risks when crossing international borders.
Schafer’s Reaction to the Policy
In her video, Schafer admitted that she had initially dismissed Trump’s executive order. “I thought he was all talk,” she said. “I didn’t think it would actually affect me like this.” But when she saw the male marker on her passport, she realized the reality of the situation.
She described the experience as deeply frustrating and upsetting. “For years, every official document of mine has said female. That’s who I am,” she said. “But now, because of one signature from Trump, my identity has been erased on this piece of paper.”
Schafer also expressed concern for other transgender individuals who may face similar challenges. “I have the privilege of speaking out and raising awareness,” she said. “But what about those who don’t? What about trans people who are trying to live their lives quietly and now have to deal with this?”
Concerns Within the Transgender Community
Schafer’s story has brought renewed attention to the struggles faced by the transgender community, particularly regarding legal recognition and personal identity. Many LGBTQ+ activists have spoken out against Trump’s order, arguing that it undermines the rights of transgender individuals.
Legal experts have also weighed in, explaining that the executive order could lead to a wave of legal challenges. Some believe that it violates existing anti-discrimination laws, while others argue that it unfairly targets a specific group of people.
For transgender travelers, this change could create serious problems. Some countries have strict laws regarding gender identity, and having a passport that does not match a person’s gender expression could lead to questioning, delays, or even denial of entry.
What Comes Next?
It is unclear whether this policy will face legal challenges or if future administrations will reverse it. In the meantime, transgender individuals in the U.S. must navigate the difficulties that come with having their gender identity disregarded on official documents.
Schafer ended her video with a message to her followers, encouraging them to stay informed and support one another. “This isn’t just about me,” she said. “This is about all of us who deserve to be recognized for who we truly are.”
Her experience has sparked conversations online, with many people expressing support for her and frustration over the new policy. LGBTQ+ organizations are urging people to speak out and advocate for change, hoping that policies like these will not become permanent.
