Have you ever not gone to the doctor because you didn’t have identification? Or the information on your ID made you feel uncomfortable? 

This is the reality for many transgender people. Their name and/or gender marker doesn’t match their gender identity or their photo is significantly outdated; so, showing their ID not only makes them feel uncomfortable but it also outs them. If you are cisgender (you identify with the gender you were assigned at birth), you likely don’t have to think about your identification and maybe you don’t even realize how often identification is required. 

How Can We Do Better

When providing services, particularly to marginalized folks, we should be working toward only requiring ID where it is necessary to do. Also, any time organizations require forms to be filled out to access services, there should be a place for the person include their chosen name, as well as self identify their gender (if it’s even necessary to record gender). Organizations should also invest in creating a safe and inclusive space by educating their workers about issues that impact diverse communities such as the LGBTQ+ community.

PRISM provides workshops and training for healthcare and social service providers, students and service users on inclusion, diversity and promoting health and wellness for the LGBTQ+ community.

Changing Your Name and/or Gender Marker on ID

The process of changing one’s name and/or gender marker on their identification is complicated and requires a number of steps. As well, it can be a costly process which is a significant barrier for many people. Particularly since transgender folks are at risk for being kicked out of their homes resulting in houselessness. They are often unemployed or underemployed and experience a number of other barriers as well. 

If you are looking to change your name or gender marker on your identification here are some resources. It’s important to note that if you are a young person (under the age of 18 years old) you will require the consent of your parents or legal guardians. 

Adrienne Smith Law has written a very well articulated article on the processes for making both of these changes which includes information about some of the basic costs.

Both name and gender marker changes can be made online through BC vital statistics (name change form, gender change form) and you can contact BC Vital Statistics directly 1-888-876-1633.

We know this process can be challenging and seem daunting so here are some more resources to support you with the process (and sometimes the cost).

There is more information about these changes on the TransCare BC website and you can contact them for support or to ask questions about the process. 

There is a Transgender ID clinic at Qmunity as well as a contact email for questions (note: the clinic may not be running at this time). 

The Catherine White Holman Centre has numerous free resources for transgender folks and you may be able to get free lawyer or notary here. 

The Kettle Society ID bank can help you to get your ID, particularly a copy of your birth certificate and government-issued ID. This resource is for low income, homeless, and/or marginally housed individuals.

Pace Society has a Gender Self Determination Project that supports folks with identification and can sometimes provide support with some of the costs. 

Note that if you’re planning to change your name and gender marker you can do both at the same time and it can be more timely and cost effective to do so. Also, don’t forget about the other places that you are going to need to change your name once you’ve received your new birth certificate. Some of these include but are not limited to

SIN
Health card (PHN)
CRA (taxes)
Passport
Elections
Bank
School

Gender Marker X

It is now possible to choose X as a gender marker as opposed to being forced to choose F or M for folks who identify outside of the gender binary. Since this is still relatively new and not everyone is educated on gender the government has created a card that you can print out and use as services that may question your ID as a result of having the X gender marker. See this card here.

Looking for other Transgender resources

Check out our resources page. 

Emory is a gay/queer trans writer from Vancouver, BC. He is passionate about poetry, and loves craft beer and spending time with his cat.

Photo by Jorge Saavedra on Unsplash

Written by Emory Oakley

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