Texas Department of Public Safety Blocks Gender Marker Changes for Trans Residents

In a significant policy shift, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced that transgender individuals will no longer be able to update the gender markers on their driver’s licenses or state IDs, even if they possess court orders or amended birth certificates. This decision, effective August 20, 2024, follows concerns raised by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton regarding the validity of such court orders. The new directive has sparked outrage among LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups, who argue that it undermines the dignity and safety of transgender Texans. The policy change was revealed in an internal email from Sheri Gipson, chief of the Driver License Division, which stated that DPS would cease accepting court orders for gender marker changes. This move has left many, including individuals like Emily Bray, feeling vulnerable and anxious about potential legal complications, especially in situations like traffic stops where mismatched documentation could lead to misunderstandings or accusations of fraud. Advocacy organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas and Equality Texas, have condemned the policy as discriminatory and harmful. They argue that accurate identification is crucial for the safety and well-being of transgender individuals, who may face discrimination or violence if their IDs do not reflect their true identities. The ACLU's Ash Hall emphasized that the policy could expose trans people to significant risks, while Equality Texas described it as a blatant denial of dignity and privacy. As the situation unfolds, advocates are urging transgender Texans to continue pursuing legal changes through the court system, despite the challenges posed by the new DPS policy. While no legal challenges have been filed yet, there is a growing sentiment that this policy may face significant opposition in the future.