Hi,
I read this on slate's site - www slate com then a column called human nature.
"New York City will let its natives change the sex on their birth certificates without changing their bodies. Old rule: You had to get sex-reassignment surgery. New rule: You need recommendations from a doctor and a therapist, and you have to live your "adopted gender for at least two years." Arguments for the new rule: 1) Gender is more complex than genitals. 2) Your official status shouldn't contradict your chosen identity. 3) You shouldn't have to get surgery to change your identity. 4) Some people can't afford the surgery. Arguments against it: 1) It's wrong and dangerous to revise historical facts. 2) This will become a ruse for gay marriage. 3) Some guy already harassed women in a ladies' bathroom, claiming to be a lesbian. (According to the NYT, "The Metropolitan Transportation Authority also agreed last month to let people define their own gender when deciding whether to use the men's or women's bathrooms.") Arguments for going beyond the new rule: 1) Therapy, like surgery, is unnecessary and too expensive. 2) Why only two sexes? (For Human Nature's take on transsexuality and transhumanism, click here.)"
I guess this is a positive sign if it's true. You know San Fransisco will probably start doing it and then hopefully vermont, massachusetts, new jersey, etcetera.
Rebecca