The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed on Tuesday that transgender Texans will no longer be able to change the sex on their birth certificates to reflect their gender identity, a ban that comes just weeks after the state halted Texans from changing the sex listed on driver’s licenses or state-issued IDs — even by court order. (Until now, anyone in Texas could change the sex on their birth certificate and ID with a court order. Changes may still be made today, but if they involve a clerical error.) Austin’s NBC affiliate KXAN first reported the news.
Even with a court order, our state leaders believe they know better than transgender Texans or their doctors.
“I am a biological male,” one man told Texas Monthly, after the last ban was announced. “I’m six five with a beard and actual penis, but according to Ken Paxton, I am to remain legally a woman.”
Editor’s Note: This story discusses transphobia. For LGBTQIA+ youth in need of mental health support, call the Trevor Project’s 24/7 toll-free support line at 866-488-7386. Additional resources can be found at Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860 and the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which can be reached by calling or texting 988.
