The Issues:
Transgender Issues

UPDATE: MVA Cancels Dangerous Policy Change

Equality Maryland has received an email from the Attorney General’s office with the following statement from the MVA:

"MVA believes that the current policy on gender designation which has been in practice for almost a decade is secure and the procedures we have adopted ensures reasonable accommodation for individuals who are making a gender transition change. At this time, MVA is not effecting a change to that policy. However, written legal advice received from the Office of Attorney General clearly states that MVA's current policy does not meet all statutory requirements and we are therefore continuing to work with the Office of Attorney General before making a final determination on whether a policy update is appropriate."

As you can see, the MVA intends to stick with current procedures; however, they continue to assert that the policy does not meet all statutory requirements. In the New Year, Equality Maryland and our partners will work to convene relevant stakeholders to either secure a change in the statutory requirements or assess policy revisions. We will need to work with the MVA Secretary John Kuo and perhaps the Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary as well, as they set policy for their departments.

We are pleased that the MVA was willing to halt the implementation of this dangerous policy change in order to allow for constructive dialogue. There is still work to do, but for now let’s take a moment to celebrate.

Background: The Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA) was considering an update to their policy regarding changing the gender marker on a driver's license. It was scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2010.

Current Policy: To change the gender marker, an applicant must provide a physician or psychologist’s report to confirm that the applicant is in active treatment. The MVA requires annual re-evaluations until the applicant "meets requirements for permanent gender change." If you are using a name other than your birth name, you must bring the document that initiated the change of name, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court name change order and your current License.

Proposed Policy: The new policy would require an amended birth certificate. This requires going through the court system. Maryland code states that they will issue a birth certificate reflecting the proper gender only upon receipt of a certified copy of an order of from a court indicating that the sex of an individual born has been changed by surgical procedure and whether such individual's name has been changed. You cannot change the sex on a birth certificate simply by providing proof that you are undergoing medical treatment or procedures for gender reassignment.

The proposal would have created additional hoops and legal fees for transgender Marylanders who are looking to update their driver's license. Having a legal identity document that does not match a person’s gender exposes them to potential risk not just of embarrassment, but of harassment as well.

Transgender 101

  • Read an informative essay from Dr. Dana Beyer, an Equality Maryland board member, explains the basics of what it means to be "transgender."
  • View a fact sheet on the importance of expanding protections for transgender Marylanders.

Discrimination

Learn about the discrimination faced by transgender individuals and why we need to put an end to it.

Hate Crimes

Read about anti-transgender violence and what we're doing to stop it once and for all.

Personal Stories

Read stories and testimony submitted to us by members of the Maryland transgender community.  To submit your own story, please email mike@equalitymaryland.org.

Maryland Transgender Anti-Discrimination Coalition

The Maryland Transgender Anti-Discrimination Coalition was formed in 2009 in support of EQMD's fight to include gender identity and expression in state-wide anti-discrimination laws. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to sign up as coalition sponsors. Click here for more information!

Transgender Resources

A collection of links, newspaper articles, and other resources by, for, and about the transgender community.  Click here for the Equality Maryland Transgender Resource Guide.

Photo and Video Gallery

Click here to view photos and video from EQMD transgender events!

Transequality List

Join the Transequality List to be informed about events, legislation and relevant information.  Please email mike@equalitymaryland.org.

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