Thursday, March 28, 2024

New British Columbia IDs to feature ‘X’ gender identity option

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A third gender identity option has been added to all BC provincial services’ identification cards and accounts.

People who do not identify as male or female will be able to choose ‘X’ in the gender field for driver’s licenses, ID cards, birth certificates, and BC Services Cards.

The option came into effect on Thursday, November 1st, after consultation between the ministries of Health, Citizens’ Services and Attorney General.

In 2017, a Vancouver resident filed a human rights complaint against the provincial government for denying their application to have a non-binary gender designation on their IDs.

“The lack of an alternative for those who do not identify with the male or female designation has previously resulted in cases that were being considered at the Human Rights Tribunal,” said David Eby, Attorney General.

“This change is a step in the right direction to promote inclusivity for all people in British Columbia.”

How to change current gender designation on ID

British Columbians who would like to change the current gender designation on provincial IDs and were born in the province:

  • Submit a Change of Gender Designation Application form (VSA509a) along with a copy of the physician’s or psychologist’s confirmation form (VSA 510p) to the Vital Statistics Agency.
  • Upon request, the Vital Statistics Agency will issue a birth certificate that reflects the new gender marker. There is a cost associated with getting a new birth certificate.
  • Next, you can send a copy of the new birth certificate to Health Insurance B.C. (HIBC) to allow them to update their system.
  • HIBC will send a letter when the update has been completed and direct you to an Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC) counter where you can have your driver’s licence updated.

For BC residents born elsewhere:

  • Submit a BC Services Card Change of Gender Designation Application form (BCSC509a), along with a copy of the physician’s or psychologist’s confirmation form (VSA 510p) to HIBC.
  • HIBC will send a letter when the update has been completed and direct you to an ICBC counter where you can have your driver’s licence updated.
  • The Vital Statistics Agency cannot change gender designations on birth certificates from other jurisdictions. Minors’ gender-change applications also require parental consent.

“As a physician who works with trans and gender-diverse people, I have observed the multiple ways that non-binary people are invisibalized within our society, with negative impacts on their health and well-being,” says Dr. Marria Townsend, medical director at Trans Care BC.

“This is a positive step towards recognizing and affirming the humanity of those British Columbian’s who don’t identify as male or female.”

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Brishti Basu
Former Senior Staff Writer and Content Manager at Victoria Buzz.

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