I am getting very close to the US border. I can't see it yet, but I know it is off to my left, just a few miles North. I am one good day away from Los Algodones and crossing the border into the USA. (Actually, I just measured, and I have 26 more miles to go, which will take me at least 5 more days...rats!)
************************************
Part of the reason I am doing this blog is to highlight the differences in the laws and culture affecting transgender people in the different states that I will be walking through, virtually speaking, on my way to Washington D.C., then I will be actually flying to D.C. to lobby Congress for clarity in non-discrimination laws for transgender people. Before entering the state of Arizona, I thought I might spend a little time discussing the federal laws that apply to transgender people.
Why is there a particular need for any specific laws regarding transgender people? Aren't the existing laws enough to protect them? The National Transgender Discrimination Survey showed that "26% of trans people lost a job due to bias, 50% were harassed on the job, 20% were evicted or denied housing, and 78% of trans students were harassed or assaulted." (see NCTE website). Many employers or co-workers feel justified in their actions because federal law is still somewhat vague about discrimination toward people who are transgender.
Today, you can obtain a full ten-year passport with an updated gender marker if you have had "clinical treatment" determined by your doctor to be "appropriate" in your case to "facilitate gender transition." No specific details are required about what type of treatment is appropriate for you. The NCTE website gives more specific details about a sample letter you can give to your physician, and that answers other questions.
Getting your passport changed is a big deal if you need proper identification and so you can travel under documentation for international travel that matches your gender identity.
Getting your passport changed will also help you change your gender on your Social Security records. Social Security requires one of the following in order to change the gender on your records:
-
- Full-validity, 10-year U.S. passport showing the new gender;
- State-issued amended birth certificate showing the new gender;
- Court order directing legal recognition of change of gender; or
- Medical certification of appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition in the form of an original letter from a licensed physician.
No comments:
Post a Comment