Why Recognizing Gender Change Without Surgery Is Vital

http://www.care2.com/causes/why-recognizing-gender-change-without-surgery-is-vital.html
6/21/13
by Steve Williams

Trans citizens can now change their gender markers on social security records without needing to undergo gender reassignment surgery. What does this mean and why is it important?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced the adoption of a new policy that will allow trans applicants to change their gender markers more easily.

The SSA will now accept a letter from the applicant's doctor confirming they have undergone "appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition."

This removes the barrier of requiring trans social security applicants to have undergone gender reassignment surgery, specifically genital change surgery, before they can change their gender markers, bringing the SSA's policy in line with that of other departments such as the U.S. State Department and Veterans Health Administration.

While it is true that the social security card only lists a person's name and social security number, the SSA records details such as name, date of birth and gender.

This information is shared with certain third-party organizations and having accurate gender markers is especially important for timely access to certain insurance and Medicare provisions.

Special thanks to the women on either side of Mara Keisling for getting this through.