Nonbinary airline passengers ask: What’s gender got to do with it?

For nonbinary and transgender travelers, it is a time of patchwork progress for broader gender inclusion. In the United States, the federal government has taken steps to recognize more gender identities, while most airlines are yet to implement change. Since April 11, US citizens have been able to select a nonbinary gender marker, “X,” when applying for a passport. The process only requires checking the box and does not require medical certificates, court documents or other paperwork; the gender chosen for the passport does not need to match the person’s other documentation. For travelers who identify as transgender or who do not conform to traditional gender roles, having more inclusive options is a recognition of who they are as people. Surveys have shown that having their pronouns respected leads to better mental health for nonbinary people, especially young people. “This is a simple, clear step many airlines should be taking,” said Keisha Williams, the director of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program. “All airline passengers deserve to fly comfortably without fear of discrimination or being misgendered.” Yet some travelers have expressed frustration that although they can now hold a nonbinary passport, and despite the airlines’ support of LGBTQ initiatives like Pride Month, only two major US airlines currently offer options other than male or female when booking airfares. <br/>