Hunter Schafer Speaks Out After Being Issued a Male Passport Under Trump’s New Policy

Hollywood actress Hunter Schafer, one of the most prominent transgender stars in the industry, has revealed that she was issued a U.S. passport with a male gender marker after her original passport—listing her as female—was stolen.

The shocking revelation has sparked outrage and concern within the LGBTQ+ community as Schafer’s experience highlights the growing challenges faced by transgender Americans under the new policies implemented by the Trump administration.

Schafer, known for her roles in Euphoria and the upcoming Blade Runner 2099, took to TikTok on Friday to share her frustration. She explained that the change on her passport was not an accident but rather a direct result of an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump upon his return to office.

The order, signed on January 20, restricts federal recognition of gender identity by defining gender solely based on biological sex at conception. As part of the policy, the State Department has suspended processing gender marker changes for passport applicants, effectively forcing many transgender and nonbinary individuals into a bureaucratic nightmare.

Schafer expressed her disappointment in the video, clarifying that she wasn’t looking for sympathy but wanted to expose the reality of what transgender Americans are currently facing. She acknowledged that while the incorrect gender marker on her passport doesn’t change who she is, it does make her life significantly more difficult.

“I don’t give a f--- that they put ‘M’ on my passport; it doesn’t change anything about me or my transness,” Schafer said. “However, it does make my life a little harder.”

With plans to travel internationally next week, Schafer expressed concern about navigating customs and border security with a document that does not reflect her identity. The situation forces her into an uncomfortable position where she may have to “out” herself to authorities, something no one should have to do just to travel.

Beyond her personal experience, Schafer highlighted the broader impact of the policy, expressing concern for other transgender individuals who will face similar struggles. “Thinking about other trans women who this might also be happening to, or other trans people, the list only gets longer as far as the intricacies that come along with the difficulty that this brings into real life s---,” she said.

The controversial executive order has already sparked legal challenges. A group of seven transgender and nonbinary Americans has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that the passport policy is discriminatory and motivated by “impermissible animus.”

Under the new rule, government-issued identity documents must reflect an individual’s biological sex rather than their gender identity. This change effectively erases legal recognition for transgender people on official federal documents, making daily life—from travel to employment—far more difficult.

Schafer’s case is particularly frustrating given that she has had her gender marker listed as female on her passport and driver’s license since she was a teenager. However, because she never updated her birth certificate, her passport was reissued with a male designation.

The State Department has not responded to requests for comment, but the policy has already sparked outrage among human rights advocates and LGBTQ+ organizations. Many fear this is just the beginning of a systematic rollback of transgender rights under Trump’s administration.

Since reclaiming the presidency last month, Trump has aggressively pushed policies aimed at reversing progress for transgender Americans.

In addition to the passport policy, he has signed executive orders banning transgender athletes from girls' and women’s sports, cutting federal support for gender-affirming care for minors, and preventing transgender individuals from serving openly in the military.

These measures have alarmed advocacy groups, who argue that they are not just discriminatory but dangerous. By restricting legal recognition and access to critical services, the administration is making life significantly harder for an already vulnerable community.

Despite the challenges ahead, Schafer remained defiant in her message, emphasizing that transgender people will continue to fight for their rights.

“Trans people are beautiful. We are never going to stop existing,” she said. “I am never going to stop being trans, a letter on a passport can’t change that. And f--- this administration.”

Schafer admitted she doesn’t have an immediate solution to the problem but felt it was crucial to share her experience. By speaking out, she hopes to raise awareness and encourage resistance against policies designed to erase transgender identities.

As the battle over transgender rights intensifies under Trump’s administration, Schafer’s story serves as a sobering reminder of the obstacles many are now facing. With legal challenges underway and growing public outcry, the fight for trans rights is far from over.