Gender reassignment surgery battle goes on, Wu saysStaff writer, with CNADespite a crushing election defeat, Abbygail Wu (吳伊婷), Taiwan’s first transgender legislative candidate, has vowed to continue fighting to eliminate the burden of undergoing gender reassignment surgery placed on those wanting to legally change their gender. “I want them to know that they are not alone and that they have rights and are supported.”The 37-year-old transitioned in 2012 after undergoing gender reassignment surgery in Thailand. Wu said that if elected, she would continue working toward abolishing Taiwan’s surgery requirement for legally changing one’s gender. To change gender identity on a national identification card, applicants need to submit a diagnosis certificate evaluated by two psychiatrists and a certificate from a qualified medical institution confirming that gender reassignment surgery has been completed. In addition to the financial burden, there is a need for thorough psychological preparation before undergoing such surgery, Wu said.
