Transgender Icon Hunter Schafer Speaks Out on US Passport Gender Error

4–5 minutes

Published February 21, 2025 8:08 PM PST

Medium shot image of Hunter Schafer smiling in a Van Gogh designed, v-neck dress at the Global Creativity Awards.

“I’m never gonna stop existing, I’m never gonna stop being trans and I don’t know really have an answer on what to do about this but I feel that is was important to share.”

– Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer’s Passport Mishap Sparks Outrage

Hunter Schafer, the Euphoria star and transgender activist, recently exposed a shocking issue with her U.S. passport. After applying for a replacement, she was stunned to find that the passport incorrectly listed her gender as male, despite marking “female” on her application.

This mistake isn’t just a clerical error; it highlights a broader issue regarding how the transgender community navigates bureaucratic systems and the dangers that can arise from misgendering on official documents.

How Did This Happen?

Schafer’s previous passport was stolen during her time in Barcelona, prompting her to apply for a replacement. She followed the standard process, ensuring that all her legal documents reflected her correct gender—female.

However, when she received her new passport, she was shocked to find it marked with an “M” under gender instead of an “F.”

The Role of Policy in This Error

Schafer suspects the mix-up is linked to an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump, which mandates that the federal government only recognize two genders on official documents—male and female—based on sex assigned at birth.

She believes that her application may have been cross-referenced with older documents, such as her birth certificate, which had not been updated to reflect her gender transition.

A Reality Check at the Federal Passport Agency

After discovering the error, Schafer took matters into her own hands and visited the Federal Passport Agency in Los Angeles for a resolution. During her visit, she received a harsh reality check—the agency’s staff informed her that due to the policies in place, correcting the gender marker wasn’t as simple as just making a request.

Schafer admitted that this experience opened her eyes to how deeply ingrained these issues are in government systems. While she had hoped the process would be more accommodating for transgender individuals, the reality was far different.

Why This Matters—Beyond Just a Clerical Error

Misgendering on official documents is not just a technical error; it can have real-world consequences for transgender individuals, especially when traveling.

Schafer explained that while this passport error doesn’t change anything about her or her transness, it does make traveling abroad more difficult. The gender mismatch forces her to out herself to border patrol agents—a situation that’s uncomfortable and sometimes risky, particularly when traveling to countries with less progressive views on gender identity.

1. Travel Risks and Safety Concerns

Some countries have strict policies regarding gender identity, and discrepancies in official documents can:

Lead to delays at border security
Result in detainment or questioning
Put individuals at risk in countries with anti-LGBTQ+ laws

2. Identity and Dignity

For transgender individuals, having accurate identification isn’t just about convenience—it’s about recognition and respect. Misgendering on legal documents can lead to:

Embarrassment and emotional distress
Issues with job applications, housing, and legal matters
Increased scrutiny in everyday interactions

3. Systemic Issues in Documentation

Even with recent improvements—such as the U.S. introducing an “X” gender marker option—this incident shows that transgender individuals can still face barriers in getting correct documentation.

Schafer’s Response—Using Her Platform for Awareness

Schafer didn’t stay silent. She took to TikTok to share her experience and express her frustration. She made it clear that she wasn’t trying to fearmonger but wanted to raise awareness about the challenges transgender people face when dealing with government systems.

“A single letter doesn’t change who I am, but it could put me in a dangerous situation while traveling.”

– Hunter Schafer

She also highlighted the fact that while she had legal documents reflecting her correct gender, the mishap still happened, making her question how widespread such errors might be for other transgender individuals without the same visibility.

[CLICK HERE to Watch Hunter Schafer’s Full Response to the Passport Mishap on TMZ]

This video gives more insight into Schafer’s experience and how she’s using her platform to inform others about the difficulties transgender people face with legal documentation.

What Needs to Change?

Advocates are calling for immediate reforms to prevent similar mistakes in the future:

✔️ Stronger safeguards to ensure passport applications reflect the applicant’s correct gender
✔️ More transparency in how gender markers are determined and processed
✔️ Easier correction processes when errors occur, so individuals don’t have to fight bureaucracy for basic rights

Final Thoughts—A Wake-Up Call for Policy Changes

Schafer’s experience is a stark reminder that something as simple as a passport error can have life-altering consequences. If this can happen to a celebrity with a large platform, it’s troubling to think how many others—who don’t have the same resources—are facing similar challenges.

Have you or someone you know faced issues with legal documents and gender identity? Share your thoughts below.