The recent decision by the U.S. administration regarding the Nexus travel card has been a significant source of concern for Canadians seeking to identify with a gender marker other than the traditional male or female designations. As of February 2025, Canadians renewing or applying for Nexus memberships are no longer able to select the “X” gender marker that had been introduced in 2022. This shift is a direct result of an executive order from U.S. President Donald Trump, which enforces a binary understanding of gender for official use. Luke Reimer, a spokesperson for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), confirmed that while new applicants can still utilize Canadian passports with the “X” identifier, they must ultimately choose either male or female for their Nexus membership.
The Nexus program, which facilitates quicker border crossings between Canada and the United States, has seen limited applications of the “X” gender marker, with only about 550 submissions recorded from its rollout until March 2025. Current Nexus cards will remain valid until their expiration despite the change in policy. This situation highlights the complex nature of managing the Nexus program, as it is jointly administered by both Canada and the U.S. Yet, the application process is predominantly controlled by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which is adhering to this new binary classification system.
Despite Canada’s recognition of the “X” gender identifier, Reimer pointed out that the nation cannot ensure protection or transit rights across different countries, as many nations do not align with Canada’s progressive stance on gender identity and expression. He emphasized that travelers need to be well-informed about the legal and social environments of their destination countries, reinforcing the need for travelers to understand how their gender identity may be perceived differently abroad. This inconsistency poses navigational challenges for individuals who identify outside the conventional male-female spectrum.
Advocates for transgender and non-binary rights have expressed deep concern over this policy shift. Helen Kennedy, the executive director of Egale Canada, criticized the removal of the “X” option as a regression in recognizing and including diverse gender identities. Kennedy argues that forcing individuals to misidentify themselves for travel not only undermines personal rights but also contradicts Canada’s commitment to upholding human rights and gender inclusion. Legal experts, like Sarah Mikhail, have echoed these sentiments, stating that this visa policy reflects broader discriminatory attitudes that can affect trans and non-binary individuals globally.
Mikhail also highlighted the psychological toll this policy could take on gender-diverse travelers, stating that discrepancies between a Nexus card and a passport might trigger invasive questioning by border officials, contributing to an already stressful travel environment. She expressed the fear that these changes create an additional layer of anxiety for individuals who may already feel vulnerable in official settings. The potential for complications at border crossings can be particularly debilitating for those who identify as transgender or non-binary.
Furthermore, government travel safety guidelines caution that those traveling with a Canadian passport bearing an “X” marker might encounter entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize non-binary gender identities. These guidelines stress the necessity for individuals to be prepared for questions regarding gender information during their travels, highlighting the persistent challenges that exist for the 2SLGBTQI community on an international scale. This intersection of policy, identity, and international travel illustrates the ongoing struggle for equitable recognition and rights across different jurisdictions.
