US Airport security is becoming more gender-neutral

New airport security procedures aim to replace gender-based systems

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. airport security will begin to make changes to make security procedures more gender-neutral. Travelers going through precheck who do not identify as male or female will now be identified as “X” instead of a specific gender, claimed the Biden administration on Thursday.

New procedures that are less invasive are being taught to the Transportation Security Administration officers, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.

A series of travel-security measures were announced by the department in concurrence with Transgender Day of Visibility. The Biden administration has targeted anything their administration deems as “dangerous anti-transgender legislative attacks” that have passed in statehouses across the country.

“DHS is committed to protecting the traveling public while ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender identity, is treated with respect,” Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in the statement.

TSA’s use of the pronoun “X” is intended to keep pace with identity documents that already include that option. The program will begin on April 11th, according to DHS.

The pronoun “X” will also be an option on the U.S. passport application starting April 11th.

TSA will start using scanners with new technology that replaces the gender-based systems later this year. These measures are being made to “advance civil rights and improve the customer experience.”

DHS says airport security screening officers will remove gender considerations when validating documents.

TSA will collaborate with airlines to further the acceptance of the “X” gender marker.