Entering the fray of the Trump administration’s crackdown on trans and non-binary people on the side of the pushback against it, Ulster County Acting Clerk Taylor Bruck announced Friday that he’s sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio protesting the U.S. State Department’s recent decision to halt the processing of passport applications that include an ‘X’ gender marker for non-binary individuals.

“This policy is not only a step backward in terms of inclusivity and equality but also an unnecessary deviation from the established and effective procedures for verifying identity and citizenship in passport applications,” Bruck wrote. “Denying this option now contravenes the rights of individuals to have their identities accurately reflected in official documents.”

Bruck emphasized what he described as the critical importance of the “X” gender marker, calling it a significant advancement in recognizing non-binary individuals' dignity. In his letter, Bruck pointed to widespread legal and human rights support for such measures, including the ACLU’s advocacy for accurate identity documents for transgender, non-binary and intersex individuals.

“The introduction of the 'X' gender marker was a critical advancement,” Bruck wrote. “This policy change risks creating serious practical challenges for nonbinary individuals, including discrepancies between their various forms of identification. Such inconsistencies can lead to invasive questioning, denial of services, and even accusations of fraud, which are not just inconvenient but deeply harmful to those who already face systemic marginalization.”

In his press release, Bruck said that in light of recent federal policy changes, he’s further committed to assisting local residents who may be impacted, underscoring his office’s dedication to finding solutions for individuals affected by this shift. To get in touch with him, email countyclerk@co.ulster.ny.us or call (845) 340-3040.