Americans who live in Washington, DC are now able to apply for a driver’s licence that more accurately reflects their gender identity, .
Instead of being forced to pick between checking the ‘Male’ or ‘Female’ marker on the application form, Washingtonians can now select a third gender option, ‘X’.
Agender Washington resident Nic Sakurai has become the first person to apply for a gender neutral licence in the United States.
“I don’t feel that sense of gender as something that is part of my core innate experience,” they told CNN.
“I’m glad to finally have an ID that actually matches who I am.”
Jay Wu—who is the media relations manager for the National Centre for Transgender Equality—was also among the first group of people applying for a new ID.
“Before today I was walking around with an inaccurate gender marker,” said Wu.
“This is more accurate, because I identify as non-binary,” they added.
The Mayor of Washington Muriel Bowser said of the changes that “the safety and wellbeing of all Washingtonians” was her top priority.
“Whenever we are presented with an opportunity to improve the lives of residents and better align our policies with DC values, I will take it.”
“The new gender neutral identifier offers gender nonbinary District residents a gender designation that affirms who they are.
“The implementation of a gender neutral identifier is consistent with our DC values of inclusion and respect.”
Sheila Alexander-Reid is the director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs and said: “The new gender neutral identifier offers gender nonbinary District residents a gender designation that affirms who they are.
“The implementation of a gender neutral identifier is consistent with our DC values of inclusion and respect.”
Oregon will follow Washington DC’s lead, introducing gender neutral IDs from July 1st.
The executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality Mara Keisling said it was a “tremendous first step”.
"We are thrilled to see D.C. and Oregon leading the way in advancing policies that allow for transgender people, including those who are non-binary, to have accurate identification that helps them function in their day-to-day lives," said Keisling.
