The LGBTQI+ community and supporters showing pride protesting for their rights. Picture: Unsplash
In a powerful exposé shared on TikTok, trans content creator Gentle Reality opened up about the troubling impacts of a recent executive order under the Trump administration that she argues is effectively banning her from travel.
This controversial measure, which only recognises an individual’s sex assigned at birth, has brought significant changes to government policies regarding gender recognition on official documents, notably affecting members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
@gentlereality Be very cautious. They will not return any of my documents either. #trans #travelban #arrest #transrights #LGBTQ #humanrights #lawyer ♬ original sound - Gentle Reality - dessert iykyk
Previously accessible information for LGBTQIA+ travellers on the US State Department's website has been edited extensively and is now labelled as “LGB Travel Information”.
This shift has erased references to transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and other identities, a move that many in the community see as a direct attack on their rights and visibility.
Gentle Reality, who has transitioned from male to female, documented her recent experience while applying for a new passport at the Los Angeles Passport Agency.
In her video, she described encountering a deeply disheartening situation.
“They stated that they would at first give me a passport that had the male identifier on it though I have my sex legally changed to female,” she recounted.
As the situation unfolded, Gentle Reality revealed further frustrations as officials confirmed they would not issue her a passport at all.
“They will not call it an effective travel ban though that is the impact where my travel plans, I cannot make. They will not give me any passport with any name, gender, sex of any form. And that is the case that we are dealing with right now,” she lamented.
Left without clear answers and holding her documentation, including her birth certificate, she expressed her despair: “It seems that I will not be able to travel outside of this country.”
Her experience exposes a growing concern amongst the LGBTQIA+ community, where significant strides towards recognition and rights are being rolled back, leaving many feeling vulnerable and constrained by outdated policies.
This situation underscores the broader implications of the recent policy changes that appear to be rooted in a denial of non-binary identities and a curtailing of civil liberties.
Following her posts on social media, the trans content creator received support from the online community. She also updated followers that she received an email from the agency advising that her passport was due for collection.
@gentlereality Thank you for all of the love, support, and attention. I believe our voices collectively have likely been able to aid in convincing the go ahead of passports. Without speaking up when things go wrong, things like this can lead to fear overcoming what is right. This should be seen as a win regardless of what gender/sex is placed on the passport, though it will be exciting to see! #greenscreen #trans #passport #travelban #travelban #transrights ♬ original sound - Gentle Reality - dessert iykyk
Gentle Reality’s story resonates as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles for acceptance and equal rights faced by many in the LGBTQIA+ community.