Hawaii Passes Bill Allowing Transgender People To Change Birth Certificate“The Hawaii Legislat

Hawaii Passes Bill Allowing Transgender People To Change Birth Certificate“The Hawaii Legislature passed a bill that could make it a lot easier for transgender people to change their gender on their birth certificates, joining a growing number of states to make the change.Right now, people in Hawaii are required to undergo gender reassignment surgery if they want to make that change. But the state House and Senate approved a bill Tuesday that removes the surgical requirement, sending the bill to Gov. David Ige.That was welcome news to those who feel that the gender they were assigned at birth doesn’t reflect the gender they identify with in daily life."This really is the beginning for trans equality,” said Kaleo Ramos, a transgender man who was born female and who pushed for the legislation.Having identification that doesn’ t match one’s outward appearance causes problems applying for jobs, student loans, health insurance and other services. The change could pave the way for transgender people to access life’s necessities and participate more fully in society, advocates said. Under the proposal, those who want to change their identity could present a note from a physician.It also could help reduce incidents of suicide in the transgender community, said Rebecca Copeland, parent advocate with Equality Hawaii, whose has a 14-year-old transgender son.“It’s the lack of recognition in society that really hurts people,” Copeland said. “When people look at it and it doesn’t reflect who they are it can really have devastating consequences.”At least six other states have made similar changes to their birth certificate laws.”Read the full piece here -- source link

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