New Yorkers can now use ‘X’ gender marker on their ID in ‘historic change’

Words: Emily Maskell; Image: Unsplash

Coming into effect 24 June, New Yorkers will be given the option to choose ‘X’ as their gender marker on state-issued ID documents.

This change is enacted as part of new legislation following the Gender Recognition Act passed in New York last year. 

The new option of ‘X,’ alongside the already available ‘M’ or ‘F’ options, will be available on driver’s licenses, learner’s permits, and non-driver ID cards at statewide Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) offices.

As reported by CNN (28 May), a press release from Kathy Hochul, the 57th Governor of New York State, outlines this milestone that comes on the cusp of Pride Month marks “another victory in our fight to help ensure equality and respect for the LGBTQ+ community.”

Hochul continues: “Every person, regardless of their gender identity or expression, deserves to have an identity document that reflects who they are,” she added. “My administration remains committed to ensuring that New York is a place of value, love and belonging for members of the LGBTQ+ community.”

New Yorkers: You can now choose “X” as a gender marker on your driver license.

Every person deserves to have an identity document that reflects who they are.

This is a historic change in our fight to make New York a more inclusive and just state for all. pic.twitter.com/hogp3Uj1I2

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) May 27, 2022

New York is the latest to join 24 other states in offering a gender-neutral marker on official documents and Hochul tweeted that it is “a historic change in our fight to make New York a more inclusive and just state for all.

The online application to request the change will be available beginning in July, Hochul noted.

“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,” said Carl Charles, Senior Attorney at Lambda Legal which sought the addition of the ‘X’ marker after filing a lawsuit on behalf of a nonbinary, transgender client.

“The State of New York has finally turned the page on a discriminatory, outdated policy,” Charles added. ​​”Nonbinary, transgender, and gender non-conforming New Yorkers now have access to accurate, state-issued identity documents that are critical to day to day life in New York.”

The first gender-neutral passport, using an ‘X’ as a gender designation, was issued in the US in November 2021 and, as of 11 April this year, US citizens can now select ‘X’ on passport applications with plans to make more federal and social security documents more inclusive for transgender, intersex, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming people.

In 2021, The Court of Appeal ruled that people cannot have gender-neutral passports in the UK.