New York City residents can now choose a non-binary option on birth certificates
The law went into effect on New Year's Day
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.New York City will officially offer residents a third gender option on birth certificates after a new law went into place on New Year’s Day.
In addition to the options male and female, New York City residents can now choose “X” on their own birth certificates, if they identify as non-binary.
To make the change to a non-binary gender, one must fill out a “self-attestation form,” which states a desire to change one’s gender to reflect their “true gender identity.”
According to The Associated Press, the new law, which passed in October, also allows parents to choose the option “X” for newborns.
In the past, the city only allowed people who had undergone gender reassignment surgery to request birth certificate amendments.
The law was later updated to require a doctor’s note from a medical or mental health professional, however, that requirement has also been removed under the new policy.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio first expressed his support for the new law upon signing, when he said: “This new legislation will empower all New Yorkers, especially our transgender and gender non-binary residents, to have birth certificates that better reflect their identity, and it furthers the City’s commitment to defending the rights of our LGBT community,” The Hill reported.
And in the days leading up to the implementation of the new law, the NYC Mayor’s Office Twitter account reiterated the importance of the change in a tweet which read: “To all trans and non-binary New Yorkers: We see you, hear you and respect you.
“Starting in 2019, all New Yorkers will be able to change their gender on their birth certificate to M, F or X - without a doctor’s note.”
With the new law, New York City joins California, Oregon and Washington in offering the option of a non-gendered third option on birth certificates.
New Jersey will soon follow, once similar legislation goes into effect on February 1.
For those impacted by the new law, de Blasio said: “You be you. Live your truth, and know that New York City will have your back.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments