In a bid to prevent transgender people from being unnecessarily detained in airports for not resembling their passport photographs, Australia has introduced a new gender, ‘X’.

This will be the third option in the sex category after female and male. Previously, people were required to undergo full sex change surgery before they could officially change the gender on their passports.

However, Louise Pratt, an Australian MP whose husband was born a woman, said the reform was a huge step forward. Transgender activists have applauded the change, which they believe gives greater recognition to the intersex population.

Picture credits: Rex Features and Getty Images

Aussie Passport (Sex) Changes