TSA PreCheck to Introduce Gender-Neutral Option

U.S. airport security will adopt more gender-neutral procedures, including updated scanners and the option for Precheck travelers to select an “X” if they do not identify as male or female, announced by the Biden administration on Thursday.

Transportation Security Administration personnel will receive revised screening guidelines aimed at making the process less intrusive, according to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security.

These changes are part of a broader set of travel-security initiatives introduced by the department alongside Transgender Day of Visibility. President Joe Biden is recognizing this day by speaking out against what his administration describes as “harmful anti-transgender legislation” enacted in various state legislatures.

“DHS is dedicated to safeguarding the traveling public while ensuring everyone, irrespective of their gender identity, is treated with dignity,” stated DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

Starting April 11, the TSA Precheck program will implement the “X” option as part of its advanced security measures, aligning with identity documents that already feature this option, according to DHS. Additionally, the “X” gender marker will be available on U.S. passport applications starting April 11.

Later this year, TSA will introduce new scanner technology that replaces gender-specific systems, aiming to “promote civil rights and enhance the customer experience.”

The TSA will collaborate with airlines to encourage acceptance of the “X” gender marker and will revise instructions for airport security personnel to eliminate gender considerations when verifying documents, as stated by DHS.