UK Considers Trans Passport Change

Transgender citizens of the UK may be allowed to opt-out of identifying themselves as male or female on passports, should a proposed rule change be approved.

Currently everybody with a passport must identify themselves as male or female on the document. But the Home Office has begun a consultation on changing the system to allow a category for the small minority of people who are unable to tick either box. Supporters claim it will avoid problems at passport control for people whose appearance does not match the sex stated on their passport. But some Home Office officials have expressed concern that it could create more difficulties for the already stretched UK Border Agency.

Passports and other photo IDs often create problems for transgender folks whose appearance doesn't seem to match the perceived gender of their name.

RELATED: Australia has just approved a change similar to the one being considered in Britain.