TSA to Become More Gender-Neutral in US Airports

The Biden administration says U.S. airport security procedures will become more gender-neutral, with changes to canners used for screening and the use of an “X” for travelers going through Precheck who do not identify as male or female. 

Transportation Security Administration officers will also receive new instructions on screening intended to make procedures less invasive, according to a Department of Homeland Security  (DHS) statement. 

The department announced a series of travel-security measures last week in conjunction with Transgender Day of Visibility. 

“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 a statement. 

The use of the “X’ pronoun in the TSA Precheck advanced security program will begin April 11 and is intended to keep pace with identity documents that already include that option. A new “X” gender marker on U.S. passport applications also begins on April 11.

Later this year, TSA will begin using scanners with new technology that will replace gender-biased systems and are intended to “advance civil rights and improve the customer experience.”

The TSA will work with airlines to promote the acceptance of the “X” gender marker and will also update the guidance for airport security screening officers to remove gender considerations when validating documents, according to the DHS.  

Source: Associated Press