Maine has become one of the few states in the country so far to recognize nonbinary people on their birth certificates. The ruling — which allows for a “X” gender designation for those identifying as neither exclusively male or exclusively female — went into effect immediately this month.
Twelve states (plus Washington DC and New York City) currently offer the nonbinary birth certificate option, according to the Movement Advancement Project; these include Rhode Island, Connecticut and now Maine in New England.
Since 2019, Mainers could obtain or change their X gender markers on their driver’s licenses and state IDS; now these documents can match their birth certificates.
“These changes are really exciting and will make a significant difference in the lives of transgender folks like myself, and people whose gender identity is neither exclusively male nor exclusively female,” said Gia Drew, program director for EqualityMaine, in a press release.
“We’ve heard from so many people, as well as from parents of trans and gender expansive youth, who’ve become so frustrated with the outdated process. I hope the news of these necessary and affirming changes bring some light to people during these unsettling times,” said Drew.
According to the Human Rights Campaign, 22 US states provide gender marker updates on both drivers licenses and birth certificates, with 14 more offering them on just driver’s licenses. Fewer of these states, however, offer the nonbinary option on either document, although legislation in some states is in the works.
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