Transgender Travelers Omitted from Updated State Department Travel Advisory

Recently, there's been quite a buzz about changes in how travel advisories are being presented by our State Department. They've decided not all travelers deserve a mention—specifically, transgender travelers got left out. This change has really stirred up some serious conversations within LGBTQ+ circles, as many feel it sends a message that transgender folks aren't being fully acknowledged or supported.

What changed in travel advisories?

The State Department's Bureau that handles travel info now has a section called "LGB Travelers." It plainly states: "LGB travelers face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Some countries have laws and attitudes that might impact safety and ease. Many don't recognize same-sex marriage and stick strictly with male and female markers on passports. Close your eyes and imagine—about 70 countries still criminalize same-sex relationships, some with harsh penalties."

Before, this section used a broader term: LGBTQI+, which covered lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and other identities. This language was more inclusive, reflecting policies from prior administrations. Reporters like Steven Romo from NBC News have pointed out this language shift as a big deal.

Why does this matter?

Steven Romo even tweeted about this change on January 31, 2025, showing screenshots from before and after. It's a stark difference—the full LGBTQI+ acronym went down just "LGB."

This shift seems part and parcel with moves from President Trump's administration since he came back on January 20. Several executive orders have really hit hard against transgender rights. One big one? The State Department can't issue passports with an "X" marker anymore, rolling back a 2022 policy.

And Secretary Rubio threw another wrench by issuing a waiver allowing some aid programs like those fighting AIDS and offering humanitarian relief. But here's a kicker: anything related "to gender or DEI ideology programs, transgender surgeries, or other non-life-saving assistance" gets axed from that waiver. Not surprisingly, this has folks worried about what it means going forward internationally.

What does it mean if you're transgender and traveling?

The fact that transgender people don't get a shoutout in these advisories doesn't just erase them—it makes traveling riskier. Without advice tailored specifically towards them, transgender travelers face more discrimination at borders and could be more vulnerable in countries with rigid gender norms.

Advocates stress that using inclusive language isn't just a nice-to-have. It protects people. By not mentioning transgender travelers, these advisories miss a critical element that supports all members in maintaining safety and equality as they navigate international travel.

Public reaction and what people are doing now

Once these changes hit, public reaction came swiftly. LGBTQ+ groups, activists, and allies are urging immediate reinstatement. Social media has exploded with calls asking Biden and Harris's administration not only take notice but act.

Someone from an advocacy group bluntly put it: "Leaving transgender people out signals their safety and rights don't matter as much. The government needs its actions aligned with ensuring equality and protection, no matter your gender identity."

People also point out travel isn't a cakewalk even if you're LGB. By not addressing transgender needs, extra risks get heaped on them.

Steps are underway, engaging policy makers, pushing them—maybe even nudges them in a re-evaluation direction when it comes down regarding posts like these affecting trans traveler folks. They hope ongoing advocacy, chatter, and dialogue will lead back toward more inclusive travel advisories.

For now, though, leaving out transgender mentions in these posts serves as yet another reminder—not all have recognition or room at this table, and within LGBTQ+ community, there's still much work needing done.