So, what is gender X?
Gender X is used for individuals who don't identify as male or female.
States have already begun making it legal to put non-binary, X gender on legal documents.
Oregon passed a law allowing gender X on June 15, 2017.
California passed a very similar law to the one in Oregon, which is going into effect on January 1, 2018.
California used to allow a non-binary sex designation, but a physician had to confirm the person had undergone surgery.
That's what 35-year-old A.T. Fu ruya, living in California, had to go through. They ended up being one of the first people in the U.S to legally change their sex to non-binary.
A.T. has said, "They don't get to decide for you based on what you're assigned at birth."
Well, on legal documents they can decide.
It's not used to discriminate, it is used as a form of identification.
You don't have to fit your gender, but your sex cannot be changed without a transitioning process.
The state of Washington has offered residents gender-neutral options on their driver's license.
So what does having an X gender on legal documents mean?
People will be allowed to change their gender on legal identification documents.
There are many people who identify as a gender that is not male or female, so there has been a higher demand for non-binary sex options on legal documents.
An issue that I have is the word choice that is being used by the media.
On legal documents, your sex is written, not your gender.
Sex is your biological reproductive organs.
Gender refers to personal identification based on an internal awareness.
I get why people would want their preferred gender on their documents, but for legal reasons, that's not how it should work.
There is no such thing as sex X.
There are two types of genitalia, the female and the male genitalia.
However, I do believe there is such thing as non-binary genders and personally preferred gender.
I call people what they prefer because that's who they are, they're the only ones that can set their gender.
But, legal documents have nothing to do with what you personally identify as.
I love that the government is finally recognizing the rights of trans people, as their rights should have never been ignored.
But, when it comes to legal matters, there's a restriction.
If someone is transitioning, I, of course, think they should be able to change their sex on legal documents.
But, I don't agree with changing your documents because of your gender.
This is a very touchy subject, and it's hard to talk about when you're an LBGTQ+ advocate.
We're not all going to agree on everything, but the discussion should be left open.