Actress Hunter Schafer
So, here’s the deal—Hunter Schafer, the insanely talented actress and model we all love from Euphoria, just found out her new passport now says she’s male.
Yeah, you read that right. Turns out, this unexpected change is a new executive order signed by former President Donald Trump, which says official federal documents must reflect a person’s sex assigned at birth—not their gender identity.
And obviously, this has sparked a huge uproar in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
KEY FACTS
- Hunter Schafer shared that her new passport lists her as “male” even though she filled out the paperwork choosing “female.” All her previous IDs, including passports and driver’s licenses, correctly listed her as female.
- Schafer highlighted the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ new policy, which now only issues passports with an “M” or “F” sex marker, based on a person’s sex assigned at birth. The “X” marker for nonbinary individuals is no longer used, following an executive order signed by Trump.
- In her video, Schafer made it clear that she would “never stop being trans” and that “a letter on a passport can’t change that.” She emphasized that this policy change won’t define her identity.
- Hunter said she posted the video not to seek sympathy, but to raise awareness about the impact of this new passport policy on other trans women, especially those who might not have the same privilege she has as a celebrity.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Hunter took to social media, totally shocked, and shared her frustration in a viral TikTok. She was just as confused (and pissed) as you’d expect, wondering how in the world her passport suddenly misgenders her. Turns out, Trump’s executive order, called “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government” (seriously, that’s the actual name), was signed on January 20, 2025.
This order forces all federal agencies, including the State Department, to list people by their biological sex at birth, reversing the previous policy that allowed trans and non-binary people to update their gender markers on IDs.
WHY THIS IS A BIG DEAL
Discrimination & Safety Risks
For trans folks, having ID that doesn’t match their gender is not just annoying—it’s dangerous. Imagine trying to travel, apply for a job, or even go to a bar, and your ID gets questioned. It opens the door for discrimination, harassment, and even being denied services.
A Huge Step Back for LGBTQ+ Rights
Under Biden, people could choose M (Male), F (Female), or X (Non-binary) for their passports. Now? Nope. This new policy erases years of progress and forces thousands of trans people to carry inaccurate IDs.
“The ability to have identity documents that accurately reflect who you are is not just a matter of dignity—it is a matter of safety,” said Mara Keisling, founder of the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE).
HUNTER SCHAFER SPEAKS OUT
Hunter, who’s been a major voice for trans rights, wasn’t about to stay silent. She shared:
“It’s incredibly frustrating to see my identity erased like this. This isn’t just about me—this affects thousands of trans people who will now be forced to carry passports that do not reflect who they are.”
Her words hit home for a lot of people, sparking massive conversations online about the importance of trans rights and gender identity.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Legal Battles Incoming
LGBTQ+ organizations like Lambda Legal are already challenging this policy in court, arguing that it violates constitutional protections against discrimination. If successful, the order could be overturned.
STATE LEVEL PUSHBACK
Several Democratic-led states are pushing back against the new federal policy. Governors have pledged to keep allowing gender marker changes on state-issued IDs, offering a lifeline to transgender individuals who now face misgendering on their passports.
While this is a win for many, it also means we could see some legal battles ahead as states and the federal government clash over transgender rights.
CELEBRITIES & ACTIVISTS REACTS
Hunter’s story has gotten huge attention, with celebrities and activists speaking out:
- Elliot Page: “Hunter’s story is yet another example of why we must fight for trans rights. We deserve to exist as we are.”
- Laverne Cox: “This is an attack on all of us. We will not be erased.”
- Human Rights Campaign (HRC): Released a statement calling for Congress to pass the Equality Act, which would protect LGBTQ+ rights at a federal level.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Hunter Schafer’s experience is just one example of how policies like this affect real people. Having an ID that matches who you are isn’t just paperwork—it’s a basic human right.
The fight for trans rights is far from over, and legal challenges, activism, and public awareness will be key to reversing harmful policies like this one.
Do you agree with Hunter Schafer? Should gender identity be recognized on legal documents? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
Further Readings
Transgender Americans Challenge Trump’s Passport Policy in Court (New York Times)
The US stopped allowing passport gender marker changes. Here are some of the people affected (Associated Press)
