Nevada allows non-binary people to self-identify on IDs

Nevada has become the 10th state to allow trans and intersex people to obtain gender neutral IDs.

In addition to the current “M” for male and “F’ for female markers, residents can ask for an “X” to be displayed on driver’s licenses and ID cards.

Nevada joins Washington D.C., Arkansas, California, Colorado, Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, Oregon, Utah and Vermont in the move.
Ray Mcfarlane, a manager at an LGBT+ community center in Las Vegas, told NBC News the policy should be a “model for the rest of the country.”

“All states should let people self-identify,” he added, “the process should be accessible. It should be easy. It should be low cost.”

Are gender markers necessary?

While some in the state think the process could be further simplified by removing gender markers from IDs altogether.

Jane Heenan, the founder and clinical director for Gender Justice Nevada, told NBC News: “While I do intend to go and have my license changed to reflect this new designation, I wonder what the state’s interest is in labeling anybody in a sex and gender context on identity documents,” Heenan said.

“I don’t understand the state’s interest in doing so. It wasn’t that long ago that the state required persons to list an ethnic label on driver’s licenses,” Heenan added.
 

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According to Alexandra Walden, public information officer at the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, the efforts have been years in the making.

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