Maine Adds Non-Binary Gender Markers On Birth Certificates

The state of Maine in the US started issuing birth certificates with non-binary gender markers. Starting on July 14th, the International Non-Binary People’s Day, people in Maine can get a birth certificate issued with an ‘X’ instead of just an ‘M’ or ‘F’ as their gender. 

By submitting an application and “an individual notarized affirmation that the change is made to align the record with their gender identity,” adults and emancipated minors can apply for a non-binary marker on their birth certificate.

According to ‘LGBTQ Nation’, parents can fill out the form for their minor children if they submit “a declaration of a licensed physician or mental health care provider who… affirms that the requested gender is consistent with the minor’s gender identity.”

And parents can choose the non-binary option on their child’s birth certificate at birth and update it later if needed.

“These changes are really exciting and will make a significant difference in the lives of transgender folks like myself, and people whose gender identity is neither exclusively male nor exclusively female,” said Equality Maine’s Gia Drew in a statement.

“We’ve heard from so many people, as well as from parents of trans and gender expansive youth, who’ve become so frustrated with the outdated process. I hope the news of these necessary and affirming changes bring some light to people during these unsettling times.”

Several other states, including New York, California, and Colorado, also allow for non-binary gender markers on birth certificates.

Read related myGwork articles here:

Maine Bans Gay Conversion Therapy

Nevada Allows Trans and Non-Binary People to Identify Their Own Gender on State Documents

Republican governor vetoes bill that would have banned conversion therapy in Maine

First Non-Binary Person Runs for US Senate

Keep up to date with the latest myGnews