Jenni Chang and Lisa Dazols
Travelers in search of the world's 'Supergays,' blogging at OutAndAround.com
An Argentine Trans Man Tells Us Why His Country's New Transgender Law Is the Best New Law in the World
Posted: 05/10/2012 6:34 pm
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jenni-chang-and-lisa-dazols/argentina-transgender-law_b_1506166.html (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jenni-chang-and-lisa-dazols/argentina-transgender-law_b_1506166.html)
Argentina has led the world again in LGBT rights, this time focusing on the transgender community. Yesterday, legislation passed that allows a legal change of gender by simply filling out a form. This is a progressive step; to change one's gender, most countries require a medical diagnosis, letters from therapists, and often medical intervention.
But in Argentina, activists called for a right to chose one's identity without a surgery requirement or court action. This allows people to have immediate access to a new identity card that matches their gender presentation. An ID is a first step toward any legal transaction, whether it be submitting job applications, applying for loans, or accessing medical treatment.
In Buenos Aires we meet up with Kalym Soria, president of RITTA (Red Nacional de Hombres Intersexuales, Transgéneros y Transexuales de la República Argentina), an advocacy group made up of 40 transgender men like himself. Kaylm says, "My job is to organize us, and to generate a space where trans men have a space to talk, share, and hit the streets. We dream of a world of inclusion."