Identity Documents & Privacy

As trans people, we need accurate and consistent IDs so that we can live safely and authentically. Without these documents, it’s incredibly challenging or even impossible to open bank accounts, start new jobs, enroll in school, travel, or safely interact with law enforcement.. Unfortunately, the name and gender change process is unnecessarily complicated and often very  expensive. Moreover, many state and federal governments have intrusive and burdensome requirements—such as proof of surgery or court orders—that have made it sometimes impossible for trans people to update their IDs. As noted in the 2022 U.S. Trans Survey, nearly half (48%) of respondents who had at least one form of identity document (such a birth certificate, passport, or driver’s license), said that none of their IDs listed the name they wanted. The survey results also confirmed what most trans people already knew—that incorrect identification exposes people to a range of negative outcomes, from denial of employment, housing, and public benefits to harassment and physical violence.

A4TE works to remove barriers such as surgery and court order requirements to ensure all trans people have access to accurate IDs.