New Yorkers can now choose “X” gender marker on their state ID

New Yorkers will now be allowed to use “X” as a gender marker on state-issued ID’s. The new policy was rolled out just days before the start of Pride Month and is part of New York’s Gender Recognition Act, which will go into effect on June 24.

“Every person, regardless of their gender identity or expression, deserves to have an identity document that reflects who they are,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said. “My administration remains committed to ensuring that New York is a place of value, love and belonging for members of the LGBTQ+ community” she added.

New York residents who already have a state-issued ID will have the option to change their gender marker from “M” or “F” to “X” at the DMV. Those applying for a state-issued ID for the first time will also have the option to select “X.”

Other notable changes made by New York’s politicians include allowing trans people to change the names and/or gender designations on marriage certificates to ensure it accurately reflects their identity.

New York joins several other states, including California, New Jersey and Maine, in allowing residents to choose something other than male or female as their gender marker on certain state-issued documents. The State Department and Social Security Administration this year also announced they will allow people to select “X” as their gender identity on U.S. Passports and Social Security documents.

In 2021 Britain’s Supreme Court rejected efforts to introduce gender-neutral passports, saying ‘X’ gender markers would undermine a legal system that is built on a clear male-female split. It is unclear when/if the decision will be reconsidered.