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Dear Community,
As you may have heard, beginning November 30th 2018, Colorado will be issuing “X” sex markers on Colorado IDs and Driver’s Licenses for non-binary and intersex people! This is monumental for the recognition of our rights to self-define and have accurate legal documentation. Thank you to everyone who has refused to take “no” for an answer and fought this legislation into effect. Colorado is joining over a dozen other countries and a handful of states within the US that offer similar legislation.
Now, in Colorado, a licensed medical or behavioral health provider may sign the Change of Sex Designation Form for the sex marker to be changed. Only a signature is needed. There are no requirements for specific surgeries, treatments, clinical or behavioral healthcare. Beginning November 30th, this form will be updated with an X designation and available to download here.
Our clinicians at Queer Asterisk specialize in supporting folx through processes like these, and require no minimum number of sessions to write letters or sign documents for transition-related paperwork. Email info@queerasterisk.com if you would like to be connected with a clinician.
We wish that our system were not designed to position medical and behavioral health providers as gatekeepers to our trans community’s rights and wellbeing. We understand that you know yourself best, and are therefore the best judge of your own needs for sex or gender affirmation. We also understand that even with largely exciting wins like this, our reality as a diverse community is much more complex than simplified victory. For instance, those within our trans and intersex communities who experience increased violence from police and/or airport security must weigh potential risks of their safety with their decision to change their sex marker.
People who “pass” or do not “pass” as cisgender, or are protected or endangered because of their race, ability, citizenship status, or other identities, will have decision-making processes that look different based on what factors must be considered. Safety and affirmation are not one-size-fits-all, and it is devastating that they can be in conflict with each other.
We honor each of our non-binary and intersex community members who choose not to change their sex marker for whatever reason, and we honor each person who does so to claim their right even when it may cause hardship. You are valid as you are, your identities are real regardless of the documentation you hold. You deserve freedom to exist and to transform, and we are committed to working to create safety and justice for you. Queer Asterisk is here to provide support and companionship to you on your journey.
Whether you’re worried about being more easily identified or targeted, having federal and state identity documents with mismatched sex markers, or are unable to make the change due to other circumstances, remember: It is valid to experience hope and fear at the same time. We can take a moment to celebrate milestones in our lineage of rights being won, and still hold perspective of the change desperately needed and still yet to come. As queer people, our strength comes from holding complexity and tension, and our resilience from creating safety for those marginalized within our communities. With solidarity, we unleash the power to thrive.
Until colonial binary patriarchy crumbles, and long after,
The Queer Asterisk Team
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