Moving Forward on Accurate Identification

http://transgenderequality.wordpress.com/2010/08/30/moving-forward-on-accurate-identification/

The new passport policy announced by the State Department in June will make a difference in the lives of many transgender people around the country. The new policy should allow many transgender people who previously were unable to do so to obtain identification that accurately reflects who they are, and makes it less likely that they will encounter discrimination, harassment or other difficulties when traveling or conducting other business. Over the summer, we have received a large number of messages from people who are relieved that at long last they can obtain a US passport and will not be afraid to travel abroad. NCTE will be monitoring the implementation of this policy and working with State Department and our partners in the Council for Global Equality to ensure it is working effectively for everyone.

This step forward builds on tremendous progress at the state level in recent years. To pick just two examples, in recent months Ohio and Nevada have taken important steps to improve and simplify their policies for changing gender on driver's licenses. This month, New Mexico and Pennsylvania did the same. Half of all states now have driver's license rules at least as strong as the new passport policy.

might be easier to go the way of Germany and ditch the gender marker (on the card) all together.

Not really sure why gender needs to be specified.

I once put that point to someone in an authroitive position, many years ago. They said, so you know who you're talking to. They have the ID, they are, presumably standing right in front of the person. What more do they need?