The Commonwealth of Massachusetts recently modernized its vital records law, enabling transgender people to receive an accurate birth certificate by providing proof of “medical intervention” rather than proof of surgery. The change went into effect on August 1.

“This is a critically important advance for the Commonwealth’s transgender citizens, said Jennifer Levi, director of GLAD’s Transgender Rights Project. “When transgender people cannot get identity documents that accurately reflect their gender identity, they are vulnerable to discrimination, harassment, and violence.”

GLAD will issue an updated tool kit to assist Massachusetts residents seeking to make a change to the gender marker on their birth certificate.

Anyone with specific questions is encouraged to contact our legal information line, GLAD Answers.