By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Notary public signing official documents
As Donald Trump forbids trans people from updating their gender markers at a federal level, Democratic states are making it easier for them to legally change their name and sex.
As Donald Trump denies the existence of transgender people and forbids them from updating their documents at a federal level, Democratic states are making it easier for them to legally change their name and sex.
The Washington State Department of Health announced on Wednesday that it will begin expediting sex change requests on birth certificates. A process that has taken up to 10 months has now been cut to three business days, not including mail and delivery time.
"Very proud to announce the Department of Health will now process all requests to change gender designation on birth certificates within three business days. Previously, there was as much as a 10 month wait," Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson wrote on Twitter/X. "A team of more than a dozen people worked through a weekend to clear the department’s backlog of more than 500 requests. We’re speeding up government and centering the people."
Meanwhile, Illinois Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill into law Friday, going into effect March 1, that makes name changes easier by repealing a requirement that the changes be published in a newspaper. Over 25 states — more than half the U.S. — do not have publication requirements
House Bill 5164 sets a three-month residency requirement in the state in order to petition a judge for a name change, and also allows petitioners to request that their name change records be sealed if public disclosure could affect their health or safety.
Michael Ziri, director of public policy at LGBTQ+ advocacy nonprofit Equality Illinois, said in a statement that staffers "regularly hear harrowing stories from trans and gender-expansive folks about their fears, lack of privacy and attacks — all for wanting to just live their lives."
“We know this law will help people — especially in this current national moment — and is consistent with our state’s values of equality and the freedom to live our lives without harassment or harm," Ziri said.
