As the parent of a transgender child in the Virginia public schools, I support the proposed change making it easier to change the gender marker on birth certificates. My child is currently in middle school but transitioned six years ago with no problems -- except that we have been unable to change the gender marker on her permanent record. Even though she has a female designation in her US passport, the school record can only be changed on the basis of a new birth certificate. The current requirement that the person must have undergone gender confirmation surgery is one that is impossible for minors like my daughter to meet. Beyond our experience, the requirement also places an unnecessary barrier for those who can't afford or choose not to have such surgeries, but who nonetheless want their birth certificate to align with other documents such as their drivers license or passport. Having such documents out of alignment can stigmatize transgender people, make public information that they don't wish to have known, and lead to confusion and denial of crucial public services or medical care. I strongly urge the Department of Health to adopt the revised requirements as proposed.