Today is Transgender Visibility Day!

March 31, 2009, marks the first annual International Transgender Visibility Day, with various events scheduled to take place around the globe.

According to Rachel Crandall, the creator of created Transgender Visibility Day, and head of Transgender Michigan explains the need for a day of celebration:

Unlike Transgender Day of Remembrance, Crandall said, the day of visibility aims to focus on all the good things in the trans community, instead of just remembering those who were lost. "The day of remembrance is exactly what it is. It remembers people who died," she said. "This focuses on the living. People have told me they love Remembrance Day but it really focuses on the negative aspect of it. Isn't there anything that could focus on the positive aspect of being trans?"

An article first appearing on March 26 in Issue 1713 of Between the Line News explains:

Though the event was borne out of Michigan, events all over the country and even world have popped up since Crandall put the word out on Facebook. Maryland Equality is holding an event. Members of a high school Gay Straight Alliance in Washington, D.C. are painting the transgender symbol on each other's faces. A group in Minnesota is holding a whole weekend of workshops and discussions surrounding the topic.

And in Michigan, the Ruth Ellis Center and youth trans group GenderSpark also have plans in the works to be involved with the day.

To Crandall, the enormous and viral growth of the events proves that people in the community were waiting for something just like the Transgender Day of Visibility. "I think sometimes people are thirsty for something and we may not even know it until we take the first step," she speculated. "I took the first step and people are just hungry for it."

One big change from usual events, Crandall was proud to report, is that the Transgender Day of Visibility was done all on a grassroots level, without backing from any large organizations. So more than just big events that raise money, Crandall hopes that the day will allow people to get involved as individuals - from coming out to their friends, family or coworkers, to just wearing a ribbon to show support.

"I've heard people say that if it wasn't for this, they wouldn't be doing anything out," she said. "...I think a lot of trans people are just looking for an opportunity to actually do something, not only to write a check. They want to actually do something and I think this day is giving them something to actually do."

In a March 27 article by author, professor, and lecturer John Corvino discusses the need for a Transgender Day of Visibility, on his perspective as a gay man.

Some gay people wonder why we get lumped with the transgender community at all. Sexual orientation is one thing, they say, and gender identity is another.

That’s true as far as it goes, and perhaps it’s better to talk about our overlapping communities than about a single GLBT community.

Still, the alliance makes sense insofar as both (overlapping) groups suffer from rigid social expectations about sex and gender. Compare “If you’re born biologically male, you should grow up to be a man” with “If you’re born biologically male, you should grow up to love a woman.” The similarities between the two inferences seem to outweigh the differences.

Then there are those who question whether linking GLB to T might slow down GLB political progress, insofar as society has a harder time with trans issues than sexual- orientation issues.

Even if you find those who raise such questions insensitive, it’s hard to argue that they’re being irrational. In general, society does have a harder time with trans people than gay, lesbian, or bisexual people, which is one reason why the trans community needs and deserves our support.

The bottom line is that there are a lot of us who could benefit from frank and open dialogue about all of these issues. Transgender Day of Visibility is an important step in that direction, and gays—and everyone else—should support it.

Contact your local LGBT Community Center to learn more or if there is no events planned, why not start one!

For more information, including events, about International Transgender Visibility Day, check out the facebook page of Rachel Crandall, one of the founders of the day.

Registrar of Motor Vehicles: Proof of Surgery No Longer Needed to Change Gender Marker on ID

According to a January 21, 2009 letter sent from Massachusetts Registrar of Motor Vehicles Rachel Kaprielian, individuals will no longer be required to provide proof of completed sex reassignment surgery in order to change the gender marker on driver's licenses and IDs.

Under the new policy, individuals will be allowed to specify the gender with which they identify without providing proof of sexual reassignment surgery or an amended birth certificate. In her letter, Kaprielian calls the changes "fair, reasonable and sensible".

According to the letter sent directly from Kaprielian to MassEquality's Marc Solomon:

"Under this new policy, it is no longer necessary to submit medical proof of sex reassignment surgery. The agency understands that this requirement is often very difficult, if not impossible, for many individuals to satisfy.

Under the new policy, an individual who wishes to change the gender marker will submit an updated application together with a Gender designation Change Form, signed by him or her and a medical provider attesting to the gender that the individual considers himself or herself to be.

In addition, the Registry of Motor Vehicles will no longer require an individual to provide an amended birth certificate in support of the new gender designation marker."

The RMV letter to MassEqualty announcing the new changes can be viewed here.

Changing Your Legal Documents to Reflect Your Sex: Part 5 of 5

Part 5 of 5: Obtaining a New Massachusetts Driver's License.

For a relatively nominal fee of $15.00, an individual can request that the Registry of Motor Vehicles issue a new driver's license which reflects their appropriate name and sex designation. It should be noted that an individual need not change his or her name in order to change their sex designation.

Name: The applicant must go in person to the local Registry of Motor Vehicles to request a change of name on their license (a list of local Registry branches can be found here). The applicant must present the clerk with (a) old license, (b) paperwork certifying your new name, and (c) the new name, as found on the individuals social security card.

Sex Designation: In order for an individual to change the sex designation on his or her license, he or she must provide the following (a) a notarized physician's statement indicating completion of sex reassignment surgery, (b) paperwork certifying your new name, and (c) an amended birth certificate.

It might be helpful to review the Massachusetts RMV's Application for Change of Information prior to going into your local branch. For additional help, information and support, visit the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition website.

Connecticut Considers Transgender Antidiscrimination Protections

The Hartford Courant reported today that Connecticut legislators will introduce a Transgender Anti-discrimination Bill sometime during this legislative session. The proposed bill would seek to prevent discrimination on the basis of one's gender expression or identity.

As the Courant points out, Connecticut has long prohibited discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation, and was one of the first states in the Nation to outlaw bias against gays and lesbians. Still, similar bills have been proposed and failed in Connecticut over the last several years, the most recent one in 2007. According to the article:

The proposal would extend those protections to people whose appearance doesn't mesh with gender stereotypes, such as women who favor traditionally "masculine" clothing or hairstyles, or men who appear effeminate.Such individuals would be protected even if they don't view themselves as transgendered.

The term transgender covers a wide variety of people, including: transsexuals, who physically alter their gender through surgery or other means; cross-dressers; and intersex individuals who are born with ambiguous genitalia.

The organization Love Makes a Family has long been a key part of the coalition behind the gender identity bill. "This is something that's been a priority for our organization for several years now," said Carol Buckheit, associate director of Love Makes a Family. "Certainly, we're going to redouble our efforts in support of this legislation."

The article can be read in its entirety by clicking here.

Changing Your Legal Documents to Match Your Sex: Part 4 or 5

Part 4 of 5: Obtaining an Amended Birth Certificate in Massachusetts.

After an individual has completed sex reassignment surgery, and has had his or her name legally changed in the Probate Court, he or she may apply to have his or her birth record amended to reflect the newly-acquired sex and name.

Name: The applicant must submit to the appropriate clerk a certified copy of the legal name change court order.

Sex Designation: The applicant must then provide to the clerk with an original notarized statement indicating completion of sex reassignment surgery. It is important that the physician use the words "completed sex reassignment surgery" with regard to your surgery, not merely that s/he "performed" surgery.

Fee: According to Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records official website, "The fee for amending a record at the Registry is $50.00. Before you come in to the Registry offices for an amendment or correction, you must speak with a Registry representative first. That way, when you come in, you will be prepared with the necessary evidence or paperwork that will allow the correction to be made. Call: (617) 740-2603 or email: vital.regulation@state.ma.us

Registry of Vital Records
150 Mount Vernon St.
1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125-3105

Changing Your Legal Documents to Match Your Sex: Part 3 of 5

Part 3 of 5: Name Change in the Massachusetts Probate Courts.

Changing one's legal name in Massachusetts is designed to be a fairly easy and straightforward process. Under Massachusetts law, a name change "shall be freely granted unless such change is inconsistent with public interest". Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 210 Sec. 12. All paperwork and fees should be submitted in the Probate Court in the county where you currently reside.

1. Obtain, prepare and submit a Change of Name Petition (CJP-27). This form can be downloaded and printed directly from the Probate Court website, or by requesting one from a clerk of the Probate Court;

2. Submit a copy of birth certificate or naturalization papers;

3. Pay a court filing fee of $165.00;

4. Publish a notice of name change in the local newspaper.

Each county probate court maintains its own specific procedures, so it is important to check with the court clerk before sending in any paperwork.

The Court is under no obligation to investigate or inquire into the motive or reasons that prompts one to change his or her name, so long as the name change is not for an unlawful, fraudulent or dishonest purpose. Assuming that no person files an objection to your petition and the court finds no reason to refuse it, the name change will be approved without a court hearing.

Once approved by the court, it is important to request at least four (4) certified copies. You will need certified copies in order to amend your birth certificate, obtain a new license, etc. Generally, an ordinary copy will suffice for things like checking and savings accounts, shopping clubs, and credit card accounts.

A list of the probate courts in Massachusetts, together with contact and other helpful information, can be found here.

Changing Your Legal Documents to Match Your Sex: Part 2 of 5

A passport is an essential legal document for every citizen. Without it, an individual will be unable to travel outside of the United States, including to Canada and Mexico.

Part 2 of 5: Passports. Because passports are issued by the federal government, the procedure to obtain a new United States passport that accurately reflects one's name and sex designation is uniform regardless of your state of residence.

To obtain a passport for the first time, an individual must go in person to one of the more than 9,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States. In order to locate a passport acceptance facility nearest to you, click here. You will need two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.

In order to effectuate a change of name and sex designation on a passport, a person must obtain and fill out the appropriate form from the United States Department of State website. If it has been less than one year since a current passport was issued, a person can request a new passport free-of-charge by filling out Form DS-5504. If it has been over a year since a current passport was issued, a person must fill out Form DS-82 and pay a $67.00 fee.

In order to obtain a change of name on a passport, an applicant must enclose a certified copy of the court decree granting the name change. For a change of sex designation on your passport, an applicant must enclose a certified copy of his or her new birth certificate, reflecting the change of sex. Certified birth records can be obtained by filling out a Request Form and sending it to the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics.

For further information, visit http://travel.state.gov or visit the National Passport Information Center.

Changing Your Legal Documents to Match Your Sex: A Five-Part How-To Series

INTRODUCTION. For better or worse, our legal IDs and documentation define who we are. Whether it is a social security card, a passport, a driver's license, or employee security badge, our legal documentation provides us with rights, privileges and access to society, travel, emergency assistance, health care, education, and other important social and governmental institutions. It tells the world who we are and affirms who we know ourselves to be.

The following five-part series is meant to provide a basic framework for transgender persons whose legal documentation no longer reflects their actual sex/gender identity.

PART 1 OF 5: SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS. Because Social Security cards are issued by the federal government, the procedure for obtaining a new Social Security card is the same in every state. To apply for a Corrected Card, you must obtain and fill out Form SS-5 by calling 1-800-772-1213, visiting www.ssa.gov, or by visiting your local Social Security office.

In order to effectuate a change of name, you will need to provide at least one document that shows your old name and at least one document that shows your new name. If possible, it is best to provide either photographic documentation or documentation which contains sufficient information (name, age, date of birth, parents' names, etc.) to identify you.

Documents acceptable to the Social Security Administration include a driver's license, employer ID card, passport, adoption record, marriage/divorce record, school ID card, health insurance card, etc. Documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. All documents will be returned to you.

There is no fee for changing the name on your Social Security card, and you should receive your new card within two weeks.

In order to change the gender designation on your Social Security card, you must be able to provide a letter from an attending physician or surgeon verifying that "sex change surgery has been completed". This requirement is not uniformly enforced, and a letter from a health care provider stating that the applicant is undergoing treatment may suffice.

Go to the next in the Series, Part 2 of 5: Change of Name in the Probate Courts.

The information contained in this article is derived largely from the Transgender Legal Issues pamphlet published by GLAD, which can be viewed in its entirety here.

Inside Proposed Transgender Civil Rights Legislation, Massachusetts House Bill 1722

On January 10, 2007, legislative sponsors in the Massachusetts House of Representatives unveiled House Bill #1722, entitled: "An Act Relative to Gender-Based Discrimination and Hate Crimes". The Bill proposes specific statutory legal protections for transgender and gender non-conforming persons. While the Bill has a long way to go before it becomes law, it has received the support of a number of well-known state Reps, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, and Representative Barney Frank.

The proposed Act, which can be read here, amends Massachusetts's existing discrimination laws, including the hate crimes law (M.G.L. c. 22C sec. 32), non-discrimination in education laws (M.G.L. c. 71 and 76), non-discrimination in employment and housing laws (M.G.L. c. 151B), and non-discrimination in public accommodations law (M.G.L. c. 272), to include a proscription of discrimination on the basis of "gender identity or expression".

The proposed Act defines "gender identity or expression" as "a gender-related identity, appearance, expression, or behavior of an individual, regardless of the individual's assigned sex at birth." Currently, there are no laws explicitly protecting transgender persons and other persons facing discrimination or violence either (i) because their gender identity differs from their assigned sex, or (ii) whose gender identity, behavior, or appearance clashes with society's stereotypical gender expectaions.

In the absence of specific statutory authority, some lower state court judges in Massachusetts have begun to use existing non-discrimination laws which prohibit discrimination on the basis of "gender" or "disability" to find needed protection for transgender persons. According to the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC), "[t]ransgender people derive some protections from ... various MCAD and court rulings but they are not explicitly protected by our laws.

The inclusion of gender identity and expression in our non-discrimination and hate crime laws achieves three important goals:

• It makes a clear statement of statewide policy.
• It makes clear the scope of coverage to anyone who reads the laws or encounters materials related to them.
• It affirms the Commonwealth's commitment to fair treatment and freedom from discrimination, crime, and violence for all its citizens."

The Joint Committee on the Judiciary will hold a public hearing on the proposed Bill at the State House on March 4, 2008.