The transgender rights debate is heating up as a proposed bill that would make it easier for people to amend the sex on their birth certificate is being discussed. MARK TAYLOR FAIRFAX NZ University of Waikato lecturer Jaimie Veale, who researches transgender health, estimates there are about 20,000 transgender people in New Zealand. Veale, who is transgender, says she hasn't changed her birth certificate because of the "indignity of having to prove to a judge or a medical professional that we are transgender". 123RF The current process for transgender people to change sex on their birth certificate is long and costly. However, some are bullied, beaten up and discriminated against, all of which can impact on their mental health.

Source: Stuff March 24, 2019 15:56 UTC