A leading transgender activist is urging the Canadian government to revise its travel advisories for the United States after President Donald Trump signed an executive order limiting gender recognition to strictly male or female.
Fae Johnstone, executive director of Queer Momentum, says she will avoid traveling to the U.S. for the time being. Her decision comes after Trump announced on Monday that the U.S. would only recognize two sexes, male and female, and declared that these categories are unchangeable.
Johnstone, whose Canadian passport uses an “X” gender marker instead of male or female, expressed concerns that her document may not be recognized if she travels through the U.S. She also worries about the broader implications of the executive order for transgender and gender-diverse Canadians.
“Would I even be allowed into the country? Would I be safe in a society where the president is promoting such hateful rhetoric?” Johnstone said. “Trans people just want to live our lives without fear.”
In 2019, Canada introduced the “X” gender marker on passports to respect the identities of individuals who do not exclusively identify as male or female. The move was widely praised by activists as a step toward inclusivity. However, the recent U.S. policy shift has raised concerns that Canadians with the “X” marker could face difficulties at the border.
Johnstone described Trump’s order as “an existential assault on the very existence of trans and gender-diverse people, both in America and around the world.” She added, “We are a community under attack by far-right politicians who use us as scapegoats to sow division and gain power, all while restricting freedoms that should belong to everyone.”
Johnstone is calling on the Canadian government to update its travel guidelines for the U.S. and provide clarity on what the new policy means for transgender Canadians. She hopes the government will outline steps to ensure their safety and rights when crossing the border.
Global Affairs Canada has not yet responded to requests for comment on whether it plans to update its travel advisories or how many Canadians might be affected by the U.S. policy.
Meanwhile, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have condemned Trump’s executive order. GLAD Law, a Boston-based legal organization, called it a “direct attack on transgender Americans.” In a statement released Monday, the group said, “The administration is trying to create fear and chaos, but no executive action can change the fact that transgender people are vital members of our communities. They deserve dignity, respect, and the freedom to live without fear of government-sanctioned harm.”
GLAD Law pledged to use all available legal tools to fight for LGBTQ+ rights and uphold the principle of equal protection under the law.
As the situation unfolds, transgender Canadians like Johnstone are left navigating uncertainty and hoping for clearer guidance from their government.
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