Pride in NYC | Photo: Facebook/NYC Pride
New York City recently became the latest place in the US to offer a third gender option on birth certificates.
On Wednesday (12 September), the New York City Council and Board of Health voted to include a category X on these forms of ID. The change will begin starting 1 January 2019.
The new legislation also makes it so people don’t need a doctor’s or health care provider’s note to change their gender marker.
New York City joins previously locations in offering the third option, such as California and Oregon.
The most recent states to pass similar legislation are New Jersey and Washington.
Every step forward counts
‘Today is a historic day for New York in its role as a worldwide champion for inclusivity and equality,’ said City Council Speaker Corey Johnson.
He’s the first ever HIV-positive gay man elected as NYC speaker, and he introduced the legislation in June.
‘I especially want to thank the LGBTQ community for their advocacy and work on this issue to keep New York City in its rightful place as a leader in human rights.’
Mayor Bill De Blasio also came out in favor of the legislation, and will sign it into law soon.
Other places, such as Maine, offer the third gender option on driver’s licenses. Numerous states also have similar legislation in the works for both birth certificates and licenses.
More from Gay Star News
Germany has recognized a third gender, but trans people are not happy
UK PM wants to ‘de-medicalize’ changing your legal gender
Cynthia Nixon loses New York Democratic nomination to Andrew Cuomo
