Passports to get 'X' gender option

Canadians will soon have another option to identify gender on their passports, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) being the first government department to adopt the new measure.

Starting Aug. 31, IRCC will introduce interim measures, which include allowing individuals to add an observation to their passport stating their sex should be identified as "X," indicating that it is unspecified. Interim measures will be available until IRCC is able to print documents with an "X."

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today announced that the Government of Canada will be working to implement an "X" gender designation in Canadian passports, as well as other documents issued. An "X" will make it easier for people who do not identify as female ("F") or male ("M") to acquire passports and other government-issued documents that better reflect their gender identity.

"All Canadians should feel safe to be themselves, live according to their gender identity and express their gender as they choose,” said the minister. “By introducing an "X" gender designation in our government-issued documents, we are taking an important step towards advancing equality for all Canadians regardless of gender identity or expression."