SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) – Hunter Schafer, known for her role in the HBO series "Euphoria," has recently highlighted a critical issue surrounding gender identification on official documents. In a video posted on TikTok, Schafer revealed that her new passport was issued with a male gender marker, despite identifying as female. This revelation came a day after she attended the Independent Spirit Awards, where she was nominated for best lead performance for her role in the film "Cuckoo."
In her remarks on the red carpet, the 26-year-old transgender actor emphasized the importance of being aware of the current situation in the United States regarding gender identity. Schafer's experience is part of broader legislative changes after former President Donald Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office. This order defined sex strictly as male or female, which has impacted the issuance of passports and other official documents.
Since the implementation of the executive order, the U.S. State Department has stopped issuing passports with a non-binary "X" designation and has not honored requests to change gender markers between "M" and "F." Schafer's situation reflects the challenges many transgender individuals face when navigating these bureaucratic barriers.
In her TikTok video, Schafer shared the backstory behind her passport issues, explaining that her original passport, which had a female gender marker, was stolen while she was filming in Spain. Upon applying for a new permanent passport in Los Angeles, she filled out her application with the gender marker "female," expecting to receive a similar passport. However, the passport she received identified her as male, which she attributes to the recent executive order's influence on passport documentation.
Schafer addressed the executive order directly in her video, expressing her skepticism initially but stating, "I was like, ‘I’ll believe it when I see it,’ and today, I saw it." She made it clear that her intention behind sharing the video was not to seek sympathy or create a dramatic narrative but to highlight a significant and distressing reality that many face.
Noting that the new passport does not change her identity or her experience as a transgender person, Schafer acknowledged the challenges it posed for her upcoming travels, which added a layer of complexity to her life. She reflected on the support she received from her community throughout this ordeal, conveying gratitude for their solidarity during uncertain times.
The State Department, while responding to inquiries, confirmed it is adhering to Trump’s executive order but refrained from commenting on specific individual cases due to privacy laws. Schafer articulated that such bureaucratic labels would not define her identity, stating, "Trans people are beautiful. We are never going to stop existing. I’m never going to stop being trans." Her statement reflects a resilient spirit amidst adversity and emphasizes the ongoing existence and validity of trans identities, regardless of how they are represented on legal documents.
Schafer’s situation and her courage to share it publicly shine a light on the ongoing struggles faced by transgender individuals concerning recognition and rights in a shifting political landscape. As discussions on gender identity continue, her advocacy serves as a reminder of the need for greater awareness and change in legislation to support all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.
