As a Trans Feminene Virginian and constituent, I support updates to 12 VAC 5-550! These important updates will remove outdated language and clarify the gender change process for Virginia birth certificates. Every person in Virginia should have access to identity documents accurately reflecting who they are legally so they can live and work in the Commonwealth without experiencing added discrimination and harassment or mandating a medical treatment not required medically, or the possible financial burden.

Sexual Reassignement Surgery is not always desired by people who are transgender, nor is it required treatment. Reducing the administrative burden for transgender citizens born in the commonwealth to complete the process of matching their legal documents to the person they are, and living as, should be right of every commonwealth citizen.

Thank you