NYC considers adding ‘X’ gender category to birth certificates

A proposal would allow people born in New York City who do not identify as either male or female to choose a third category for their birth certificates, The Associated Press reported Monday.

City Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D) is expected to introduce a proposal Thursday that would allow adults to choose the new gender category of “X” for their birth certificates.

Currently, parents have the option to say the sex of their child is either undetermined or unknown.

“This is about making it easier for people to be who they truly are and letting them know that New York City understands them and has their backs,” Johnson said.

“This proposal will allow transgender and gender non-conforming New Yorkers to live with the dignity and respect they deserve, and make our City fairer,” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) said.

If the proposal passes, New York City would join California, Washington, and Oregon in having such a category on birth certificates. Washington, D.C. allows it on driver’s licenses.

The city Board of Health is also expected to consider the change at a Tuesday meeting. It would then have a hearing in July and a vote in September if the board supports the change, according to the AP.

The legislation being introduced in the city council would match the board’s changes.

“Transgender New Yorkers, like everyone else, should have birth certificates that reflect their true gender identity,” said Dr. Mary Bassett, the city’s health commissioner.

The proposal would also stop requiring people to get a medical or mental health professional to fill out an affidavit to affirm their requested gender designation, the AP reported.

The change would allow people to submit their own affidavit affirming their gender identity.