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News :: Gender : GLBT/Queer : Politics |
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Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles releases policy change for changing gender markers |
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by Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition
Email: cphillips (nospam) hds.harvard.edu (unverified!) |
27 Jan 2009
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The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) is pleased to announce that the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has amended its policy regarding changing gender markers on state issued identification such as driver's licenses or Massachusetts ID.
The new policy requires a person who wishes to change the gender marker on their state issued identification to 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. The policy no longer requires a person to submit medical proof of sex reassignment surgery or an amended birth certificate. The next edition of the Registry of Motor Vehicles Driver's Manual will reflect the agency's policy amendments. |
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In the coming weeks, MTPC will provide a comprehensive "how to" guide for changing gender marker that reflects this new policy as well as the requirements of other State and Federal agencies.
MTPC has been working collaboratively with Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) [http://www.glad.org/]and MassEquality [http://www.massequality.org/] in advocating for this policy change with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Quick list of current gender marker change policy requirements:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles: An updated license/ID application form and a Gender Designation Change Form [http://www.mass.gov/rmv/forms/21053.pdf] signed by him or her and a medical provider attesting to the gender that the individual considers himself or herself to be. There is a fee for issuing new IDs, please see Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles website [http://www.mass.gov/rmv/] for current fees and local branches.
Social Security Administration: A completed Form SS-5 "Application for a Social Security Card." Proof of identity; proof of citizenship; and a letter from the surgeon or attending physician verifying sex change surgery has been completed. If you are a non-citizen, you will need to show documents proving your immigration status and work eligibility. All documents need to be originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. There is no charge for this and this must be done at Social Security branch office.
US Passport: Evidence of citizenship; proof of identity; a recent photo of current appearance; the current fee to have a new passport issued; and medical documentation stating that you have had or are planning on having sex reassignment surgery. For Post-Op transpeople, this documentation consists of a letter from a surgeon or hospital that performed surgery, a detailed statement from a medical surgeon regarding the surgery and name change evidence, if applicable (for example, a certified copy of a court document). For Pre-Op transpeople, this documentation consists of a detailed statement from a surgeon with whom you have plans to undergo surgery. This statement must outline the plans for your surgery. If you are traveling to undergo it, the passport agency will issue a temporary passport valid for one year. |
See also:
http://www.masstpc.org
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This work is in the public domain. |
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Call to Action! |
by Jamie Phillips
cphillips (nospam) hds.harvard.edu (unverified) |
28 Jan 2009
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Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition
January 28, 2009
A Note from the Chair of MTPC:
Commit to do Something!
In order for "An Act Relative to Gender-Based Discrimination and Hate Crimes" to become law in Massachusetts, more people need to commit to doing something - anything - to help get this law passed. The same people who opposed gay marriage are - surprise! - opposing us. {Suggestions for action can be found here: http://www.masstpc.org/legislation/waystohelp.shtml]
The best thing you can do? Talk about it, with your friends, family, and, most important of all, your legislators. Help us generate ripples of interest and support, by letting those around you know how important this is to you. If you can't talk about it with everyone, don't worry. The two people you can speak to are your State Representative and Senator. They and their office staff will treat you with courtesy and respect - that's their job. Be sure to let your elected officials know how strongly you support this legislation. {Here is an easy way to get the name and contact info for your represenatives: http://www.masstpc.org/legislation/callinghelp.shtml]
Another good thing is giving time or money to MTPC. No campaign for legislation ever has enough of either one. Donate now, at www.MassTPC.org.
Commit yourself to doing something. And do it sooner, rather than later.
Those who want to do more, awesome. Look around MassTPC.org, you'll find something that needs your help. Email info (at) masstpc.org with what you want to do.
Meanwhile, here's something you can do today: check the list of current co-sponsors (see below), and if your Rep or Senator is not shown, call and ask them to support this bill. There's a week left for them to do so (deadline Feb 4). If they agree to sign on as a co-sponsor, be sure to thank them for standing up for fairness, equality, and civil rights.
Later we can share the satisfaction of having helped shape a future more friendly to freedom of gender identity and expression.
Sincerely,
Nancy Nangeroni
Steering Committee Chair
About the Bill:
"An Act Relative to Gender-Based Discrimination and Hate Crimes" adds the category of "gender identity or expression" to our hate crime laws as well as to the employment, housing, credit, public accommodations, and public education non-discrimination laws. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) has already clarified that state law currently protects all individuals, including transgender persons, from discrimination based on gender identity or expression. This bill makes those protections explicit, uniform, and visible to the general public. This bill also amends existing hate crime laws to explicitly protect people targeted for violence and harassment because of their gender identity or expression. This bill updates Massachusetts non-discrimination and hate crimes laws to ensure that they clearly and uniformly protect all people regardless of their gender identity or gender expression, including transgender people.
It's more painless than you think, so don't be intimidated! Legislative offices love hearing from constituents, and its their job to work for you.
More information about the proposed legislation can be found here: http://www.masstpc.org/legislation/legabout.shtml |
