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M, F, X : Oregon could soon offer a third gender option on state IDs

Posted at 9:35 PM, May 11, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-11 21:35:37-04

Oregon may soon become the first state in the nation to offer a third gender option on its state IDs – an acknowledgment that validates transgender identities.

As of now, someone seeking, say, a drivers’ licenses in the state has two options to pick from when it comes to stating sex: male or female.

The third option — a nonbinary gender — will be reflected with an X.

The bill passed the Legislature and is headed to the governor’s desk.

Supporters applauded the move.

Oregon may soon become the first state in the nation to offer a third gender option on its state IDs – an acknowledgment that validates transgender identities. The third option – a non-binary gender – will be reflected with an X.

Updating personal documents to reflect name and gender changes is critical to reducing discrimination, Basic Rights Oregon said in a statement. About 20,000 Oregonians identify themselves as transgender

Last year, a Oregon judge ruled that Army veteran Jamie Shupe could legally change gender from female to nonbinary.

This case played a role in legislative deliberations leading up to the passage of this bill.

California also is considering a bill that would allow individuals to obtain a birth certificate to include nonbinary.

If approved, the law could go into effect by summer.