People who want to change their gender designations on their provincial ID no longer need a doctor or psychologist to sign off.
The change, which was announced by the province on Friday, will help reduce a “real barrier” faced by two-spirit, transgender, non-binary and gender diverse people when trying to change their identification documents, said Grace Lore, parliamentary secretary for gender equity.
“Each individual knows their own gender best,” said Lore in a statement. “I am proud that our government is recognizing this by taking landmark action.”
Since 2018, an X-gender marker has been an option on BC services cards, driver’s licences, identity cards and birth certificates, but required medical approval in order to be used.
That medical approval is now no longer required.
“By making this change to allow people to self-declare their gender on identity documents, the province is taking an important step in respecting the rights of two-spirit, transgender and gender-diverse people in B.C.,” said Lorraine Grieves, provincial program director of Trans Care BC, in a statement.
“Now, gender-diverse individuals will have easier access to ID documents that match their lived identities, which, for many, will have a profound impact.”
Adults wanting to change their gender designations will be required to complete and Application for Change of Gender Designation, which includes a self-declaration.
People under 19 will also need to provide proof of parent or guardian support.
Children aged 11 and younger will still be required to submit a physician’s or psychologist’s confirmation of change of gender designation.
