Gender identity refers to one's internal sense of their own gender. Some people may identify as male, female, non-binary, agender, bigender, genderqueer, pangender, or many other identities. Gender expression is how someone presents themselves outwardly. It can include clothing choices, hairstyle, voice, behavior, name, and preferred pronouns.
A common method for establishing proof of identity is through government-issued identification cards. These ID documents typically require the individual to provide personal information such as their name, date of birth, address, photo, and physical attributes like height and weight. They may also have sections where they list their gender identity and biological sex.
However, many individuals do not feel comfortable providing this information due to various reasons including privacy concerns, fear of discrimination, or simply because it does not accurately reflect who they are. This has led to discussions around whether governments should allow individuals to choose "X" instead of "Male" or "Female".
In some countries, like Australia, the United States, New Zealand, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Malta, Nepal, Thailand, and Canada, citizens can use an "X" marker instead of "Male" or "Female" in their official IDs. In Germany, there are plans to introduce a third gender option called "diverse." The UK allows transgender individuals to change their legal gender by deed poll without requiring surgery. While these policies attempt to recognize the diversity of human sexuality, they still leave many people behind who do not identify with binary genders.
The denial of access to gender markers on ID documents prevents transgender and nonbinary individuals from having accurate documentation.
For example, if a person wants to apply for a job that requires a background check, they may be denied because their identification card does not match their presentation. This creates problems in accessing healthcare services, voting, banking, traveling, housing, and other essential aspects of life. It also exposes them to harassment and violence as it makes them more visible to others.
However, giving everyone the ability to select any gender marker poses its own challenges. Some argue that allowing multiple options blurs the distinction between sex and gender, while others believe it could lead to identity fraud or abuse.
Additionally, there is no consensus on what constitutes a valid gender identity beyond male/female. The lack of clear guidelines creates confusion and frustration among those seeking to update their records or obtain new ones.
On the other hand, some argue that forcing individuals to choose a binary gender against their will violates their right to self-identify and express themselves freely. They say that governments should allow anyone to select whatever gender they want without question, including "agender," "nonbinary," or "other." Others say that individuals should have the freedom to decide how much information they share publicly, and that forcing disclosure compromises privacy rights.
What is the impact of denying access to gender markers on ID documents?
The denial of access to gender markers on ID documents can have various impacts that extend beyond the individual level, including societal, cultural, political, legal, and economic consequences. Firstly, it can lead to discrimination against individuals who identify as non-binary or transgender by limiting their ability to participate fully in society. Without accurate identification documentation, they may face barriers when trying to open bank accounts, obtain housing, or apply for jobs.