A new state policy in Texas has barred transgender residents from changing the sex listed on their driver’s licenses. An internal email from the Department of Public Safety found that if a trans person presented the state of Texas with a certified court order or an amended birth certificate, the gender marker on their license still cannot be altered with the exception of a clerical error.
The new policy, according to investigative reporter Lauren McGaughy, was instituted, quietly last week and is currently in effect. McGaughy posted the news to X last week, and received comments from transgender residents claiming the ban could make them scared to drive or even leave the house. Not only does this threaten trans Texans as they drive or navigate everyday experiences, but it also may make it harder for them to apply for work or go through an airport. LGBTQ Nation reports that the change will impact around 93,000 people.
The interim chief executive of LGBTQ+ advocacy group, Equality Texas, Brad Pritchett said “just like people who change their names after marriage want their correct name on their license, trans Texans want their driver’s license to reflect their gender. We use our IDs to navigate all areas of life: driving, voting, employment. Having an ID that reflects who you are is a basic form of dignity that many take for granted.” This is not Texas’ first rodeo when it comes to anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ laws and policies. The state already passed a gender-affirming care ban for minors which was challenged and upheld by the Texas Supreme Court.
This change is not an isolated incident; red states nationwide have moved to prevent trans Americans from updating their identification documents to align with their gender identity, according to The Texas Newsroom. States like Florida, Kansas and Montana have made similar efforts.
