The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) have enacted a policy allowing transgender and intersex citizens of the territory to change their gender markers on official documentation. The policy was passed via executive order by Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. (D) according to LGBTQ Nation.
“Virgin Islanders have reached out to our administration seeking a way to have their documents reflect who they truly are,” Bryan said in a statement. “This Executive Order provides a fair and compassionate process where none existed before. It ensures that our government recognizes and respects the lived realities of all our residents.”
The Executive Order allows trans people to obtain court permission to change their gender markers after having “surgical, hormonal, or other treatment for the purpose of gender transition.” Individuals above the age of 18, and minors with a parent or guardian’s permission will be able to request a gender marker change from an issuing agency in writing. This is the first ever official legal recognition of trans people in the territory according to Transitics, a substack on the latest trans news.
According to Equaldex, the USVI offers discrimination protections, prohibits censorship, allows adoption and blood donations by LGBTQ+ individuals, and allows gender changes with medical diagnosis.
Bryan noted that his order is in alignment with 25 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. “Our administration remains committed to fairness, dignity, and respect for every Virgin Islander,” Gov. Bryan added. “This Executive Order brings the Virgin Islands in line with modern standards of inclusion and ensures that all residents have access to accurate and affirming government identification.”
