Two transgender men have are suing West Virginia state officials over a policy blocking them from changing the gender marker on their birth certificates to reflect their gender identity. Birth certificates and other identity documents are needed to obtain employment, register for classes, apply for housing, obtain health care, do banking, travel, and access government services. Birth certificates are also needed to obtain other identity documents like a driver’s license, state-issued identity card, or U.S. passport. “Many forms of discrimination against LGBTQ+ people are still permitted under West Virginia state law. If a transgender person’s documentation does not reflect their gender identity, they are at risk of experiencing that discrimination.

Source: MetroXpress August 16, 2021 15:56 UTC