Hurrah! Residents of New York can now choose an “X” marker for their gender on state identification cards.
Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, announced Friday (May 27) that driver’s licences, learner permits and non-driver ID cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) offices statewide will have the gender-neutral option moving forward.
The change is one piece of the Gender Recognition Act, which was passed by the New York state assembly in 2021.
The new state law comes into effect on June 24 and, starting in July, residents will also be able to change the marker online.
“As we prepare to celebrate Pride Month in a few days, I am excited to announce this historic change that represents another victory in our fight to help ensure equality and respect for the LGBTQ+ community,” Governor Hochul said in a press release.
“Every person, regardless of their gender identity or expression, deserves to have an identity document that reflects who they are,” she continued. “My administration remains committed to ensuring that New York is a place of value, love and belonging for members of the LGBTQ+ community.”
The new legislation sees New York join 24 US states that offer a gender-neutral marker on at least some official documents, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
“This is a significant step forward in the fight for lived equality for transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming people in New York State,” Carl Charles, a senior attorney at Lambda Legal, a civil rights organization focused on LGBTQ rights, said in the release.
The nonprofit previously filed suit on behalf of Sander Saba, a nonbinary transgender New York resident who sought a driver’s license that would accurately reflect their non-binary gender identity.
“Nonbinary, transgender, and gender non-conforming New Yorkers now have access to accurate, state-issued identity documents that are critical to day to day life in New York,” said Charles.
Well done, NYC!
Historic day at the DMV! @Govkathyhochul announced New Yorkers can now choose “x” as a gender marker on their photo ID. We had the privilege of presenting the very first New Yorkers with their new IDs. Thank you to everyone who made today possible! https://t.co/tzes6Sb0AO pic.twitter.com/f1XFZaaC5r
— NYS DMV (@nysdmv) May 27, 2022