Donald Trump takes office one month from today, and members of the LGBTQ community, particularly transgender individuals, are preparing for a possible shift in policy that could affect how they are able to label themselves on personal ID.
Local law firm Ropes & Gray, advocacy group GLAD, and the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition have launched a project to help those looking to change their gender marker on documents like passports and licenses.
MTPC executive director Mason Dunn sat down with WGBH All Things Considered Barbara Howard to discuss why changing one's gender marker is important and why there's a movement to get it done quickly.
Interview Highlights
On the significance of having the gender for which one identify's with reflected on this kind of paperwork
"We know that 32 percent of trans people nationally who show an identity document that is inconsistent with their identity or presentation have experienced some form of discrimination including harassment, assault, or being denied services. So having that identity document consistent with who you know yourself to be, is not just a matter of personal comfort, but how we operate in the world around us."
On the rush to change gender markers now
"There are concerns that federal identity documents, procedures and policies may potentially change. Now we're not sure - I don't have a crystal ball. I don't know exactly what is going to happen. But there are thoughts and concerns about social security administration and passport administration changing the policies regarding changing your name and gender marker on those documents."
On President Trump taking office and its affect on the transgender community
"There are a lot of concerns in the large LGBTQ community, but in the trans community specifically. Some of the cabinet picks associated with this administration are largely anti-LGBTQ. Trans folks are concerned with safety and wellness as well as the overall attitudes being expressed in the country right now, against trans people broadly. We've seen over the past several years a number of anti-trans legislation across the country. We've seen anti-trans attitudes, and biases and hate crimes."
