In a landmark ruling, India’s Supreme Court has approved the inclusion of a “third gender” option on all official documents.

With the third gender option now available, this is the first time that trans people will be formally recognised in India.

“Recognition of transgenders as a third gender is not a social or medical issue but a human rights issue,” said Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan when he announced the ruling.

He added, “Transgenders are citizens of this country and are entitled to education and all other rights.”

Before today’s  judgment, Indians had to identify themselves as male or female on all official documents. Now, all documents will now have third category marked “transgender”.

“This verdict has come as a great relief for all of us. Today I am proud to be an Indian,” said Laxmi Tripathi, a transgender activist.