Public Comment: Speak Out Against Passport Gender Policy Changes

The U.S. State Department is quietly trying to roll back our rights. Proposed changes to passport forms (DS-11, DS-82, and DS-5504) would force passports to reflect sex assigned at birth instead of gender identity. This is a direct attack on trans rights, and we need to fight back.

Public comments matter. Government agencies are legally required to review and respond to public feedback before implementing policy changes. This is our chance to create a record of resistance and show that these proposed changes are harmful, unscientific, and unacceptable.

⏳ Deadline: 30 days from the announcement
🔗 Submit your comment here:

DS-11 New Passport Application (due Monday, March 17)

DS-82 Passport Renewal (due Thursday, March 20)

DS-5504 Name Change or Data Corrections (due Thursday, March 20)

Why This Matters

Forcing trans people to carry incorrect identity documents:
✅ Puts us at risk for discrimination, harassment, and violence
✅ Creates barriers to employment, housing, and travel
✅ Violates basic human rights and dignity

This policy change is not based on science or law—it’s a political attack. A lawsuit has already been filed to challenge it, but public opposition strengthens our case.

How to Submit a Public Comment

- Comments can be anonymous if you don’t want to use your real name.

- Be clear and direct about how this change would impact you or your community.

- Personal stories are powerful, but even a short comment helps.

Sample Comments

👉 If you’re trans and impacted personally:
“As a transgender person, this policy would put me in danger. Having an accurate passport is essential for my safety when I travel. Being forced to use a gender marker that does not reflect my identity would increase discrimination and legal barriers. The current system works—these changes are unnecessary and harmful.”

👉 If you’re a cis ally:
“This proposal is discriminatory and unnecessary. It undermines the rights of transgender Americans and contradicts existing legal precedents affirming gender identity on official documents. There is no scientific or legal justification for this change, and it will cause real harm to trans people.”

👉 If you want to focus on legal/scientific accuracy:
“There is no medical or legal basis for defining gender based on sex assigned at birth. The American Medical Association, American Psychological Association, and World Health Organization all recognize gender identity as a critical marker of identity. Forcing incorrect sex markers on passports endangers transgender people and creates unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.”

💥 This is a fight for our rights. Make your voice heard. Submit your comment today! 💥

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From QueerDoc

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