NEW YORK --
New York City residents have a new option for denoting gender on their birth certificates: gender "X."A law allowing the choice of "X'' took effect Tuesday. The measure passed earlier this year.
It allows people to change their birth certificates to "X'' by attesting that it reflects their "true gender identity." Parents also can choose "X'' for newborns.
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. pic.twitter.com/we4TbCVdhJ
— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) December 29, 2018
New York City is joining California, Oregon, Washington state in allowing an undesignated gender option on birth certificates. A similar provision takes effect in New Jersey in February.
In 2014, New York City eliminated a policy that allowed birth certificate gender changes only if people underwent gender reassignment surgery.
Instead, the city required an attestation from a medical or mental health professional. The new law nixes that requirement.
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