X Gender Marker Passport Advising Resource

• Legal and Social Recognition: Recognition of non-binary genders varies widely. Some countries have not recognized non-binary individuals, while others have not legally acknowledged X gender markers in identification and/or immigration documentation. For an up-to-date list of countries that legally recognize non-binary individuals, click here.
• US guidance on Selecting your Gender Marker.
• Travel and Immigration Challenges:
  • Traveling to or through countries that do not recognize X gender marker passports can pose challenges.
  • Questions remain about the awareness and training of immigration officials and the potential complications in obtaining visas.
• Advocacy and Support: Organizations like OutRight work globally to enhance LGBTIQ lives through advocacy for better laws and ending discrimination. They provide detailed country overviews on current policies and laws that may be helpful.

The concepts and themes below represent a starting point of consideration for students as they navigate their journey considering or already having an X gender passport marker.

1. Sharing in Your Joy While Being Prepared
   • Celebrate Your Identity: Take a moment to appreciate and celebrate your ability to express your identity authentically through your U.S. passport—a significant personal victory.
   • Understand the Realities: Recognize that while having a U.S. passport may hold some important legal recognition of your identity, you may still encounter barriers abroad including some which are social/cultural as well as those which are more legal and administrative.
2. Understanding Passport vs Social Acceptance
   • Anticipate Challenges: Learn about potential challenges and opportunities you may face in countries with different levels of legal and/or cultural acceptance of non-binary individuals.
   • Manage Social Interactions: Develop strategies for dealing with scenarios where social acceptance might lag behind legal rights, and identify supportive communities and safe spaces pr-or to your arrival in the country when possible.
   • Demonstrate Culturally Sensitivity: Gain awareness of and respect for the cultural norms of the countries you will visit, learning how to navigate them respectfully while being true to yourself.
3. Leveraging Institutional Support
   • Seek Out Resources: Utilize resources available through your institution, such as LGBTQ+ support centers (if available) or campus education abroad student offices or program points of contact, for tailored advice and support.
   • Prepare Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including those who are familiar with your gender identity and can provide advice and other support.

Maintain Contact: Keep in touch with your institutional support systems throughout your journey to have a steady source of assistance and guidance.

Students can research this information and answer these questions prior to their study abroad to increase their success and overall well being while abroad.

1. Understanding Your Documentation and Its Implications
   • How is your X gender marker recognized in your destination country?
   • Are there specific legal or social challenges you might face due to your gender for safety considerations?
   • What are the housing, medical and safety resources available in your destination country(ies) for non-binary individuals?
   • How can you prepare for potential healthcare needs while abroad?
2. Considering Disclosure and Privacy
   • Who needs to know about your gender identity, and for what purposes?
   • How can you ensure privacy and control over your personal information while traveling?
3. >Cultivating Support Networks
   • What support networks exist at your destination for LGBTQ+ individuals? Specifically for non-binary or gender non-conforming folks?
   • How can you connect with these networks before and during your study abroad?
   • Who is part of your support network now (advisors, peers, family, etc.) and how will you stay engaged with them while abroad?
4. Recognizing the Cultural and Social Climate
   • What is the general attitude towards gender diversity in the places you will be visiting?
   • How do you plan to navigate social interactions, and what strategies can you use to cope with potential discrimination?

1. Sharing in Joy While Being Realistic
   • Celebrate the Milestone: Recognize and celebrate the student’s ability to affirm their identity through their U.S. passport. Highlight the significance of this step towards greater self-expression.
   • Set Expectations: Discuss with the student that the passport’s reflection of their identity might not influence all social interactions or perceptions in various cultures.
   • Prepare for Challenges: Offer insights on potential challenges students might face in different countries; help them set realistic expectations about their study abroad.
2. Discussing Passport Acceptance vs Social Acceptance
   • Differentiate the Legal vs. Social Landscapes: Educate the student on the difference between legal recognition of the X gender marker and degrees of social acceptance globally.
   • Navigate Social Dynamics: Provide strategies for managing situations where social norms do not align with legal recognitions, including finding safe spaces and supportive networks.
   • Foster Cultural Sensitivity: Encourage understanding and respect for the cultural norms of the host country - particularly those related to gender identity and expression, advising on how to navigate these respectfully while maintaining one’s authenticity.
     • Link to NAFSA: Advising LGBTQ+ Students in International Education
3. Connecting with Institutional Support
   • Identify Resources: Guide students towards institutional resources such as LGBTQ+ support centers or international student offices, which can offer specialized support.
   • Gather Emergency Contacts: Equip students with a list of emergency contacts, including legal support and embassy connections, who are familiar with gender identity issues.
   • Offer Ongoing Support: Stress the importance of maintaining contact with institutional supports, suggesting regular check-ins to provide a lifeline and resolve potential issues.

1. Comparing Legal and Documentation Advice
   • Are you familiar with the legal status of the X gender marker in the student’s destination country?
   • What advice can you or others offer about navigating airport security, visa applications, and local laws?
2. Offering Pre-Departure Training and Information
   • What pre-departure information and training can you provide to prepare the student for the cultural and social environment they will encounter?
   • How can you tailor this training to address specific challenges associated with the X gender marker?
3. Constructing Emergency Preparedness
   • What emergency contacts and resources should the student have?
   • How can you help the student set up a plan for dealing with potential crises related to their gender identity abroad?
4. Building a Supportive Environment
   • What specific steps should you take to ensure your provider partners abroad are properly informed and prepared to support Gender X students effectively?
   • How can you facilitate connections between the student and supportive networks or individuals in the destination?
   • What steps can you take to advocate for the student’s needs within your institution and abroad?
5. Monitoring and Follow-Up
   • How will you keep in touch with the student during their time abroad to ensure their wellbeing?
   • What mechanisms are in place for the student to report any issues they encounter related to their gender identity?

• Cultural Sensitivity: Encourage open discussions about cultural differences and how they might affect the student’s experience.
• Confidentiality and Consent: Always ensure any sharing of the student’s information is done with their explicit consent.
• Inclusive Practices: Continuously seek to improve and adapt advising practices to better support students with the X gender marker.

• Human Dignity Trust: The map linked below below provides an overview of the countries across the world where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are criminalized. Scroll down to visit our individual country profiles. https://www.humandignitytrust.org/lgbt-the-law/map-of-criminalisation/
• International LGBT Advocacy Organizations and Programs provides LGBT movement organizations, allies, partners, and funders in the United States with an overview of international LGBT advocacy work, including information on the capacity, programs, strategies, tactics, and challenges of some of the leading organizations and programs in this sector.
• https://www.lgbtmap.org/lgbt-movement-overviews/international-lgbt-advocacy-organizations-and-programs