DMV issued over 5,000 'X' gender markers in 2 years
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — New York's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) started processing applications for X-marked genders on identity documents on May 27, 2022. So far, as of June 14, the agency tallied over 5,200 applications for X licenses, permits, and non-driver identification cards.
Advocates say that being able to choose X as their gender lets New Yorkers more accurately reflect their identity. Applications to change the designation on ID documents are available online or by mail through an MV-44 form.
“Making the Gender X marker available to New Yorkers is one of my most cherished moments,” wrote DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. “It was so moving to see how much pride people took in finally having a document that reflected their gender identity. DMV is proud to support Pride Month, and our employees across New York State will be actively participating in events to show our support for the LGTBQIA+ community.”
DMV also formed a 17-member Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee to encourage and cultivate all kinds of people to contribute to its workforce. The DEI Committee, comprised of DMV employees, organized the agency's appearance at June Pride events in Albany, Syracuse, and Huntington Village on Long Island.
DMV also encouraged getting involved in "Wear a Rainbow for Pride" Day on June 28, the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising. And New York City's Pride March and Festival on June 30 will also include DMV staff.
The DMV offers the X gender option year-round, not just during Pride. It's a catch-all signifier for any trans, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming people, or anyone whose gender falls outside of the conventional male or female. A spokesperson from the DMV said they do not anticipate that any letters beyond M, F, or X will be added.
The DMV has all sorts of custom license plates, none of which celebrate Pride or the LGBT community. They accept requests to create custom plates that support new causes.
A 25-year-old who wanted a New York driver’s license with the nonbinary gender identity marker of “X” sued the state in federal court in July 2020. That lawsuit challenged a state policy limiting options to male or female as discriminatory.
Almost a year later—on the 10th anniversary of the signing of New York’s Marriage Equality Act—then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the Gender Recognition Act. “Every New Yorker deserves to be free from discrimination and have state-issued identification and processes that respect them for who they are, recognize their gender identity, and protect their safety,” he said at the time.
The Gender Recognition Act went into effect on June 24, 2022.