Led by Ash Lazarus Orr, transgender Americans are suing the Trump administration to block a passport policy change that prevents accurate gender markers on passports.

Orr and other plaintiffs argue that the policy violates their rights by preventing them from obtaining accurate identification, which is crucial for their safety and freedom of movement.

On March 25, 2025, a federal court in Boston heard arguments from transgender and nonbinary plaintiffs challenging new passport rules imposed by the Trump administration that require passports to reflect sex assigned at birth.

The lead plaintiff, Ash Lazarus Orr, a transgender man from West Virginia, emphasized the safety risks of traveling with identification that does not match his gender identity.

Orr shared personal experiences of difficulties faced while traveling due to mismatched gender markers, including issues with TSA and renting a car abroad.

He previously faced scrutiny from the TSA for having mismatched gender documents during travel, prompting his request for an updated passport.

Orr has faced significant delays in obtaining a new passport reflecting his gender identity, which has prevented him from traveling to Ireland for gender-affirming care.

U.S. District Judge Julia Kobick is reviewing the case, with concerns raised about the potential discrimination against transgender individuals.

Judge Kobick challenged the government's stance, questioning whether the policy is part of a broader discriminatory effort against transgender Americans.

The executive order is part of a broader agenda to limit rights and recognition for transgender, intersex, and nonbinary individuals, including policies affecting military service and healthcare access.

ACLU lawyer Li Nowlin-Sohl characterized the policy as anti-trans, emphasizing the lack of justification from the government for its implementation.

Justice Department attorney Ben Takemoto defended the Trump administration's policy, stating the president has the authority to set such rules without public comment requirements.