The 'X' on My Passport Is Just the Beginning

A year after journalist Lieve Govers obtained an 'X' gender marker on their Dutch passport, the implications and personal journey behind this choice are explored. Govers is among more than 370 individuals in the Netherlands who now have this non-binary gender designation.

The 'X' marker signifies a gender identity that is neither exclusively male nor female, reflecting a growing recognition of diverse gender identities. Obtaining this marker involves a legal process, and for many, it represents a significant step towards aligning their legal documents with their lived gender experience.

This narrative is presented as part of NRC's "Listen on Sunday" series, which typically features in-depth, personal stories. The article delves into the experiences of those who have opted for the 'X' marker, offering insight into their motivations, the societal reactions they encounter, and the broader societal shifts regarding gender identity in the Netherlands.