New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that citizens will now be able to apply for state documents such as driver’s licenses using an ‘X’ gender marker.
The move, which was announced on Friday, forms part of the State’s new Gender Recognition Act, which will take effect from June 24.
In announcing the latest advance for non-binary and Trans rights in the State, Hochul said, “As we prepare to celebrate Pride Month in a few days, I am excited to announce this historic change that represents another victory in our fight to help ensure equality and respect for the LGBTQ+ community.”
Demonstrating her and the Democratic party’s full support for the initiative, she continued, “Every person, regardless of their gender identity or expression, deserves to have an identity document that reflects who they are. My administration remains committed to ensuring that New York is a place of value, love, and belonging for members of the LGBTQ+ community.”
Priya Nair, the Deputy Chief Diversity Officer at the governor’s office, expressed the importance of the move, saying, “As a transgender and non-binary New Yorker, this action means that I can now get a driver’s license that better reflects my identity. It’s not only the correct gender marker, but it’s also an action which demonstrates that New York State affirms and sees me for who I am.”
The new ‘‘X’ gender marker will allow non-binary and other Trans people to self-identify their chosen gender without medical certification and will apply to all applicants for new and existing documents to have their correct gender marker recognised.
The very first @nysdmv “X” gender marker driver licenses are handed out, including to our own Failla Commission member @ch_arrowood pic.twitter.com/a1WD3ZLvXU
— Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission of NY Courts (@NYCourtsLGBTQ) May 27, 2022
The directive came about by way of the resolution of a legal action taken in 2021 by Lambda Legal (an American legal civil rights organization focusing on LGBTQ+ advocacy) on behalf of Mx Sander Saba to have their gender accurately represented on their driver’s licence and other state documentation.
Recognising the case’s impact, Lambda Legal’s Senior Attorney Carl Charles said, “This is a significant step forward in the fight for lived equality for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people in New York State… Thanks to Lambda Legal’s work on behalf of Mx. Sander Saba, and the enactment of the Gender Recognition Act, the State of New York has finally turned the page on a discriminatory, outdated policy.”
The legislation will also include allowing Trans people to change the names and/or gender designations on marriage certificates.
Historic day at the DMV! @Govkathyhochul announced New Yorkers can now choose “x” as a gender marker on their photo ID. We had the privilege of presenting the very first New Yorkers with their new IDs. Thank you to everyone who made today possible! https://t.co/tzes6Sb0AO pic.twitter.com/f1XFZaaC5r
— NYS DMV (@nysdmv) May 27, 2022
© 2022 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
Support GCN
GCN has been a vital, free-of-charge information service for Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community since 1988.
During this global COVID pandemic, we like many other organisations have been impacted greatly in the way we can do business and produce. This means a temporary pause to our print publication and live events and so now more than ever we need your help to continue providing this community resource digitally.
GCN is a registered charity with a not-for-profit business model and we need your support. If you value having an independent LGBTQ+ media in Ireland, you can help from as little as €1.99 per month. Support Ireland’s free, independent LGBTQ+ media.
comments. Please sign in to comment.