After issuing the United States' first ever third-gender birth certificate to an intersex person last year, New York City is moving forward with a proposal to introduce 'X' as a third gender option.
The plan was announced by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio earlier this week and would see the recognition of non-binary and intersex people as being neither male or female on their birth certificates.
Mayor de Blasio said: “Pride Month is a time to celebrate how far we’ve come in the fight for equality, and re-affirm our commitment to protecting all New Yorkers from discrimination."
He continued: "This proposal will allow transgender and gender-nonconforming New Yorkers to live with the dignity and respect they deserve, and make our City fairer.”
reports that the proposal will be discussed and considered during a meeting of the New York city Board of Health today, “with a hearing in July and a vote in September if the board agrees.”
“Transgender New Yorkers, like everyone else, should have birth certificates that reflect their true gender identity,” , the city’s health commissioner.
She added: “We know that being able to live your authentic gender and gender expression is critical to physical and mental health."
"Now more than ever, we must ensure that all people can live their best and healthiest lives.”
