NYS Makes X Gender Markers Accessible on all New York Identity Documents

ALBANY – Today, Governor Cuomo signed the Gender Recognition Act (GRA), which will ensure all New Yorkers can obtain accurate state identity documents that reflect their gender identity. The GRA will create an X gender marker and streamline New York’s antiquated, cumbersome and, for many, shaming, name and gender marker change process.

In response, the New York Civil Liberties Union issued the following statement from Executive Director Donna Lieberman:

“As too many states around the country mount legislative attacks on transgender, gender nonconforming, and non-binary youth, New York has taken a vital step to affirm transgender, gender nonconforming, and non-binary people. The Gender Recognition Act won’t just allow people to access accurate identity documents: it will bring an end to the government-sanctioned stigma, red tape, and discrimination that has accompanied New Yorkers seeking identity documents that reflect who they are for far too long.

“Thanks to the tireless work of partners at Empire Justice, the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, and numerous other advocates, New York state will ensure that X gender markers are available on all New York identity documents and that our state establishes a privacy-protective and streamlined process for name and gender marker changes.”