JMG Reader Prevails: NYC Eases Birth Certificate Rules For Trans Citizens

The New York City Council today approved an ordinance that allows transgender citizens to correct the gender on their birth certificates without undergoing surgery. Today's action comes after JMG reader Joann Prinzivalli (top left) and three others sued the city. From the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund:

“We are thrilled by the passage of this legislation,” said TLDEF Executive Director Michael Silverman. “Today’s action will dramatically improve the lives of transgender people born in New York City. We thank Councilmember Corey Johnson, the City Council and the Board of Health for taking action. The city’s policy served only to harm transgender people and they moved to change it. We also thank the many activists and advocates who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the city’s harmful policy will be changed.” “My birth certificate was incorrect when it was filled out, and it is still incorrect to this day,” said Joann Prinzivalli. “The old policy was unfair to me and to other transgender people who just want ID that reflects who we are. I am extremely relieved and grateful for the City’s action.”

Similar legislation has been enacted in several states and Washington DC.