Kenya Insights

Tag: Transgender

  • US Stops Issuing Gender-Neutral ‘X’ Passports Under Trump Order

    US Stops Issuing Gender-Neutral ‘X’ Passports Under Trump Order

    The United States has ceased issuing passports with a gender-neutral “X” option, the State Department said, following President Donald Trump’s order limiting government recognition of transgender identity.

    The move rolls back the option first introduced under former president Joe Biden’s administration and leaves an unknown number of people awaiting further guidance on the fate of their pending applications and already issued passports.

    Trump, shortly after taking office on Monday, signed an executive order requiring federal agencies to only give the option of male or female, as part of an array of actions aimed at quickly reversing policies enacted by his predecessor.

    “In line with that Order, the Department’s issuance of US passports will reflect the individual’s biological sex as defined in the Executive Order,” a US State Department spokesperson said Friday night.

    The spokesperson said the department “is no longer issuing US passports with X markers” and has “suspended processing of all applications seeking a different sex marker than that defined by the terms in the Executive Order.”

    “Guidance regarding previously issued X sex marker passports is forthcoming,” the spokesperson added, saying updates will be posted on the department’s travel website.

    The State Department issued its first passport with the X designation in October 2021 after a long legal battle waged by a person from Colorado who is intersex. It began regular processing of X passports in early 2022.

    The department has not released figures for how many people have requested or been issued an “X” passport, but a study by the UCLA Law School’s Williams Institute estimated over 16,000 people would apply for one each year.

    On the campaign trail, Trump vilified transgender policies — particularly as they related to women’s sports and medical care for children — as part of a general broadside against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

    He ordered on Monday an immediate halt to federal DEI programs, anti-discrimination policies and recognition of transgender identity, drawing outrage from rights groups and creating immense legal uncertainty.

    The actions will almost certainly face legal challenges.

    Many states allow drivers’ licenses to be issued with a gender-neutral “X” option, while several countries have similar practices, including Australia, Canada and Germany.

    (AFP)

  • Was Brigitte Macron Was Born A Man? Debunking Candace Owens Conspiracy Theory About Emanuel Macron’s Wife

    Was Brigitte Macron Was Born A Man? Debunking Candace Owens Conspiracy Theory About Emanuel Macron’s Wife

    In recent years, a bizarre conspiracy theory has made rounds on social media and conservative commentary platforms, claiming that Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France, was born a man. This theory, notably propagated by American political commentator Candace Owens, has stirred significant controversy, misinformation, and public debate. Here, we delve into the origins of these claims, their propagation, the responses from the Macrons, and the factual inaccuracies at the heart of this narrative.

    Candice has an upcoming podcast ‘Becoming Brigitte’ an investigative series she claims will expose the evidence of her claims.

    Origins of the Conspiracy

    The theory began circulating in 2021 when a French far-right magazine, “Faits et Documents,” published an article suggesting Brigitte Macron was born as Jean-Michel Trogneux, her brother’s name, before transitioning in the 1980s. This narrative lacks any credible evidence and is built on a foundation of misinterpretation, speculation, and personal anecdotes devoid of factual backing.

    Candace Owens’ Role

    Candace Owens, known for her provocative conservative commentary, amplified this theory on her platforms. In March 2024, she stated she would “stake her entire professional reputation” on the claim that Brigitte Macron is a man. Her assertions were based on a misreading of old family photographs, where she claimed Brigitte looked like her brother when they were children. Owens also suggested that Brigitte’s refusal to produce photos from before age 30 was suspicious, a claim without merit since no such obligation exists.

    Legal and Public Backlash

    The claims led to legal action by Brigitte Macron against those spreading the rumors. In 2024, two French women were fined for defamation after they made similar assertions on YouTube. President Emmanuel Macron has publicly condemned these rumors, labeling them “false information and fabricated scenarios” that undermine public trust and spread hatred. Brigitte Macron herself has described the conspiracy as an attack on her dignity, highlighting the darker side of social media.

    Fact-Checking and Debunking

    – Photographic Evidence: The photographs used to support these claims are often out of context or misinterpreted. Experts in photo analysis have dismissed the theory, pointing out that similarities between siblings in childhood photos are not uncommon.

    – Life History: Brigitte Macron’s life timeline, including her marriage to her first husband, André-Louis Auzière, with whom she had three children, is well-documented. The existence of her children and her previous marriage directly contradicts the conspiracy.

    – Official Records: There’s no official or credible source contradicting Brigitte’s gender identity. All public records, including birth and marriage certificates, confirm her identity as female from birth.

    – Legal Identity: Brigitte Macron’s identity has been legally recognized and undisputed in official capacities, from her teaching career to her role as First Lady.

    Public Reaction and Misinformation

    The spread of this conspiracy theory reflects broader issues of misinformation and the impact of social media on public perception. While some fringe groups and conspiracy theorists have latched onto the narrative, the mainstream response has been one of skepticism and condemnation. Critics argue that such claims not only invade privacy but also promote transphobia by using transgender identity as a punchline or a point of scandal.

    The claims by Candace Owens and others that Brigitte Macron was born a man are not supported by any credible evidence. They serve as a poignant example of how misinformation can proliferate in the digital age, causing harm to individuals and muddying public discourse. This case underscores the need for critical thinking, media literacy, and respect for privacy in an era where anyone can be a target of baseless speculation.