Friday, March 6, 2015

Transgender equality bill introduced in Colorado legislature

Via Dave Montez, Executive Director, One Colorado:

Representative Moreno and Senator Ulibarri introduced House Bill 1265 -- the Birth Certificate Modernization Act – in the Colorado legislature. This bill brings the process for changing the gender on a birth certificate in line with federal policy, make it dramatically less invasive for transgender Coloradans who simply want their identity documents to match who they are.

In order to pass this bill, we need to share as many stories as possible from transgender Coloradans, their families, co-workers, and friends. We need your help finding those stories – please reply to this email or click here if you have a story to share*.

Why does this issue matter? Because when transgender people don’t have consistent government documents that match their gender, it can lead to being denied housing, employment, or even the fundamental right to vote. No one deserves to be treated that way just because of who they are.

If you or someone you know has experience trying to change the gender on their birth certificate so that it accurately reflects who they are, and you are willing to share your story, click here to let us know.

Currently, Colorado law requires that transgender people undergo surgery and then appear in front of a judge to prove it before they can change the gender on their birth certificate. The bill proposed today eliminates those two requirements, because they fail to protect transgender people’s privacy and because we know not all transgender individuals want, need, or are able to have surgery. We all deserve the opportunity to live our lives as we are and to provide for ourselves.

We’ve seen many victories for our families over the past few years – but today, we have a powerful opportunity to bring down real barriers facing those in our community who need our help the most. Together, we will win.