In Mexico, new non-binary passport can now sidestep male or female box

Jesus Ociel Baena, who identifies as non-binary person, poses for a photo after receiving the non-binary passport during the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, in Mexico City, Mexico May 17, 2023. Mexican Foreign Affairs Ministry/Handout via REUTERS

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexicans applying for a passport can now avoid having to check the box for male or female in a new travel document policy announced on Wednesday and hailed by the country's top diplomat as historic progress for those who identify as non-binary.

The new non-binary passport was unveiled at an event hosted by Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, but it came under immediate criticism by some non-binary activists as confusing gender with sex.