2019 Gender Spectrum Conference

Identity documents, such as birth certificates, driver's licenses, and passports, play a key role in one's ability to access rights and services, such as traveling abroad, obtaining various government benefits, or enrolling in school. For transgender people, having documents that reflect our name and gender can be personally significant and can allow us participate in community life while assuring our privacy is protected. Still, transgender people and their families sometimes struggle to discern when they are ready to move forward with a legal name or gender change, and the patchwork nature of the laws and policies that govern name and gender changes does not help. This workshop will provide an overview of the current issues, challenges, and requirements for modifying identity documents, including updates on recent changes to relevant laws. It is intended both for transgender people and their families who are currently interested in or in the middle of a name/gender change process, and for those who are still considering their options but want to know more about what the process may entail. After this workshop, we will hold an Identity Documents Clinic, in which legal providers will be available to help fill out paperwork as well as speak about individual needs and situations.