Law Over Lunch - Make the Legal Transition: the Nuts and Bolts of Name and Gender Marker Changes

Transgender is often defined as “an umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or gender expression differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.” However, sex assignment at birth is what follows members of the trans* community – from Social Security cards to driver’s licenses to passports – regardless of gender identity. According to a recent survey, only one-fifth of transgender people who have transitioned have been able to update all of their IDs and records with their new gender. As a result, members of the trans* community face barriers when voting, opening bank accounts, starting new jobs, and even purchasing some cold medicines.

This free program will teach the importance of having identification documents that match transgender individuals' gender presentation, how attorneys can assist transgender individuals with name and gender marker changes, and the basics of representing trans* clients. Attendees will also have the opportunity to volunteer for a pro bono clinic on March 21st at Fan Free Clinic, during which lawyers will assist clients in changing their name and gender markers with the circuit court, as well as updating identification documents (e.g., driver's licenses, passports and Social Security cards).

Speakers:

Rachel See, Esq.
Washington, D.C.

Milo Primeaux, J.D.
AmeriCorps Legal Fellow
Whitman-Walker Health