Drivers license gender change easier for New Mexico’s transgender people

[Morning Dew]

http://newmexicoindependent.com/60931/drivers-license-gender-change-easier-for-new-mexicos-transgender-people

Checking “F” or “M” for gender designation on a driver’s license isn’t something most people think much about. But for transgender individuals who feel different from their biological sex, the discrepancy between what’s listed as their gender on identifying documents and their appearance can lead to unexpected problems.

For example, a woman transitioning to a man might have a beard, leading to problems if pulled over in a traffic stop or to security questions at an airport, advocates say.

In a move that prompted cheers from the state’s growing transgender community, New Mexico acted last month to reduce the number of those types of situations.

The New Mexico Motor Vehicles Division in July established a new form to help facilitate changing a person’s gender designation on a drivers license. In doing so, the MVD clarified that gender surgery is not a requirement for a person seeking to change their gender. All that is required is the signature of a medical provider or clinician, stating their opinion that the person will not change their gender again in the foreseeable future.

Nice. Congrats, New Mexico!

[Warpy]

1. This is a wild west state that is often full of surprises

and compassion to transgender people is only one of many I've had since I've moved out here.

It's actually been a good fit for an old Boston lefty.

[enlightenment]

2. That's great news.

Some of the hoops that trans-people have to jump through are ridiculously high - my son just went through hell getting his passport because even though all his identification says male, his birth certificate says female . . . and changing that is a true Gorgon's knot.