Hello anyone who may still be checking this blog,
Unfortunately, once again, Trump has proven again to not be in favor of equal rights for all or for inclusiveness. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/trump-administration-rolls-back-protections-for-transgender-students/2017/02/22/550a83b4-f913-11e6-bf01-d47f8cf9b643_story.html?utm_term=.8e8e31199143
What is a transsexual person to do if they are unfortunate enough to live in, oh say, North Carolina where this whole bathroom debacle began? If you're a minor in a public school-and you've been brave enough to request permission to use the restroom that is congruent to your identity, then I can't help but think that you have your parents' support. Let's assume that for the moment. In some states, a person can go through a legal process to have a legal name change and gender assignment change noted on his/her driver's license. That is the case in Virginia, for example. However, in North Carolina, according to http://www.transequality.org/documents/state/north-carolina a person must have gone through gender reassignment surgery which must be documented via a doctor's note.
Is there a way around that for person's who live in states that have such stringent requirements? Possibly. Oftentimes, a person can get a driver's license by submitting a passport. A passport can be obtained that will reflect a person's gender identity rather than gender by chromosomes. It may be worth considering applying for a passport and then getting a driver's license. See http://www.transequality.org/know-your-rights/passports for further direction.
Please know you will need to find a doctor to cooberate your condition, "Gender Dysphoria" is the clinical medical name for the "condition." Please accept the author's apologies for being so clinical but going the medical route is often the best way for trans people to get past such ridiculous barriers.
However, if you're stuck, be ready to protect yourself and make those who are responsible for you accountable. For example, if you are in a public school when harassment takes place, the school is responsible for your safety while you are on the premises. The American Civil Liberties Union has some great information in the event you get stuck in a horrible position:
https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/lgbt-high-school-students-what-do-if-you-face-harassment-school
The ACLU also offers additional information for transgender folks so they know their rights. Many times, it's much easier to take advantage of a person who doesn't know his or her rights. https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/transgender-people-and-law
According to this link, most states WILL allow you to change your gender on your driver's license without gender confirmation surgery, as long as you can get a doctor to confirm your gender identity. If you have the ability and opportunity, it's important to start the ball rolling on the issue if you happen to live in a conservative state such as NC where this bathroom discussion is hot and heavy.
If you're frightened, angry, outraged, depressed, insulted, or simply feel numb over Trump's repealing the wonderful work of President Obama, know you are not alone. Many of us feel the same way and we are ready to fight back.
Unfortunately, once again, Trump has proven again to not be in favor of equal rights for all or for inclusiveness. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/trump-administration-rolls-back-protections-for-transgender-students/2017/02/22/550a83b4-f913-11e6-bf01-d47f8cf9b643_story.html?utm_term=.8e8e31199143
What is a transsexual person to do if they are unfortunate enough to live in, oh say, North Carolina where this whole bathroom debacle began? If you're a minor in a public school-and you've been brave enough to request permission to use the restroom that is congruent to your identity, then I can't help but think that you have your parents' support. Let's assume that for the moment. In some states, a person can go through a legal process to have a legal name change and gender assignment change noted on his/her driver's license. That is the case in Virginia, for example. However, in North Carolina, according to http://www.transequality.org/documents/state/north-carolina a person must have gone through gender reassignment surgery which must be documented via a doctor's note.
Is there a way around that for person's who live in states that have such stringent requirements? Possibly. Oftentimes, a person can get a driver's license by submitting a passport. A passport can be obtained that will reflect a person's gender identity rather than gender by chromosomes. It may be worth considering applying for a passport and then getting a driver's license. See http://www.transequality.org/know-your-rights/passports for further direction.
Please know you will need to find a doctor to cooberate your condition, "Gender Dysphoria" is the clinical medical name for the "condition." Please accept the author's apologies for being so clinical but going the medical route is often the best way for trans people to get past such ridiculous barriers.
However, if you're stuck, be ready to protect yourself and make those who are responsible for you accountable. For example, if you are in a public school when harassment takes place, the school is responsible for your safety while you are on the premises. The American Civil Liberties Union has some great information in the event you get stuck in a horrible position:
https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/lgbt-high-school-students-what-do-if-you-face-harassment-school
The ACLU also offers additional information for transgender folks so they know their rights. Many times, it's much easier to take advantage of a person who doesn't know his or her rights. https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/transgender-people-and-law
According to this link, most states WILL allow you to change your gender on your driver's license without gender confirmation surgery, as long as you can get a doctor to confirm your gender identity. If you have the ability and opportunity, it's important to start the ball rolling on the issue if you happen to live in a conservative state such as NC where this bathroom discussion is hot and heavy.
If you're frightened, angry, outraged, depressed, insulted, or simply feel numb over Trump's repealing the wonderful work of President Obama, know you are not alone. Many of us feel the same way and we are ready to fight back.
