In a significant stride towards inclusivity, Mexico has issued its first passports with an' X' gender marker, becoming one of the 16 countries worldwide to offer gender-neutral passports.
The announcement was made by Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard on the occasion of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, reinforcing Mexico's commitment to providing more inclusive services aligned with international standards.
Photo from Gobierno De Mexico
Following a recent change to passport applications published in the Official Journal of the Federation on May 15, applicants will now have the option to select an 'X' gender marker on their passports, recognizing and respecting non-binary identities.
"Important changes always begin as cultural changes. Today's ceremony is going to change our culture and, therefore, our daily lives. What we are doing has to do with a community that has the right to identity," said Ebrard.
This change is part of the Foreign Ministry's broader efforts to ensure an inclusive, protective, and respectful policy toward the identity of Mexicans in consulates and embassies worldwide.
The historic event saw Ociel Baena, who had previously been issued a non-binary birth certificate, being invited by the Secretary to receive the nation's first non-binary passport.
"This is the first time that we have been issued a document without the need for strategic litigation," Baena said expressing gratitude.
The non-binary passport is the second non-binary identity document issued by the Foreign Ministry, with the first being the third-generation high-security consular ID card available in the United States, Spain, and Costa Rica.
