Recently, I received some paperwork from the DMV and realized my driver’s license is due for renewal this year. I set it aside, overwhelmed by the thought of dealing with it—who has time for that? But later, I returned to it with excitement, remembering that my state now offers a gender-neutral option for identification. As someone who identifies as nonbinary, the idea of marking an ‘X’ instead of ‘F’ felt incredibly liberating.
However, I soon felt a wave of anxiety. Can I really do this? My birth certificate still reflects my assigned gender at birth, which is female. Having been born in Pennsylvania, I currently lack the option to update my gender to nonbinary there. Moreover, I can’t change my gender marker on my passport or other federal documents either. While it would feel validating to update my driver’s license, I worry that having a different gender marker on one document could lead to complications when traveling or applying for services like insurance or a mortgage.
My experience is just one of many, underscoring the urgent need for the Biden administration to introduce a third gender option on passports and federal IDs. I’m not alone; 68% of transgender individuals face similar challenges with identification that does not accurately reflect their identity. This isn’t due to a lack of effort; it’s a frustrating reality of being transgender, where we often have to seek permission to exist and are met with numerous medical, legal, and financial hurdles that many simply cannot navigate.
Before I underwent gender-affirming surgery, I had to obtain letters from my doctor and therapist, validating that this was the best route to alleviate my distress regarding my body. I felt fortunate to receive that support, but it shouldn’t be this difficult or feel like winning a lottery. Many transgender individuals lack access to these affirming services, and it’s disheartening to encounter barriers when trying to fill out forms or legal paperwork accurately.
While Pennsylvania does not currently allow for a third gender marker, 13 states have implemented options for individuals to select or change their gender marker to ‘X’ on birth certificates. Notably, these states don’t require individuals to undergo gender-affirming surgery to make this change. In contrast, 14 states still mandate proof of surgery and court orders before allowing a gender marker change. For driver’s licenses, eight states require surgical proof to update gender markers, while 19 states and Washington D.C. permit the inclusion of a third gender without such documentation.
This inconsistent patchwork of regulations is confusing and frustrating, both for transgender individuals and their allies. The reality is that transgender people want the same rights and recognition afforded to cisgender individuals. However, many still face the requirement to provide medical documentation to validate their identities, despite the American Medical Association advocating for the gender on IDs to reflect an individual’s self-reported identity.
The White House has made strides by allowing individuals to select their pronouns on contact forms, but it is essential that this option extends to all forms of identification, including passports, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and driver’s licenses. The current climate makes it unsafe for transgender people whose IDs do not align with their gender identity. No one should have to endure the risk of being outed or facing discrimination because their identification does not reflect their true self.
The ACLU has initiated a petition called They The People: Access To Accurate IDs Now to emphasize the urgency of allowing transgender and nonbinary individuals to self-designate their gender and access a gender-neutral option. Accurate identification is crucial for gaining access to the resources and support transgender individuals need.
We all deserve to navigate life without the threat of harassment or discrimination, and having the ability to present accurate identification is a fundamental part of that. When I’m forced to mark ‘F’ on forms, it feels like a lie—yet many prefer that I endure this discomfort rather than confront their own biases.
I plan to mark ‘X’ on my driver’s license renewal because I deserve to be seen for who I am. I recognize the risks involved, but my integrity and humanity are worth it.
For more insights on related topics, check out this other blog post or learn more about autism information. Additionally, Resolve offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
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- Third gender option on IDs
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- Legal documents for nonbinary individuals
- Understanding gender markers on IDs
Summary:
The article discusses the challenges faced by nonbinary and transgender individuals when it comes to updating their gender markers on identification documents. It emphasizes the need for federal recognition of a third gender option, highlighting the disparities across states and the emotional toll of navigating these bureaucratic barriers. The call to action includes supporting a petition for accurate identification rights.