#Roommates, as more U.S. legislation seeks to include those who identify outside of the traditional male and female gender, the state of New Jersey has recently become the latest state to make further steps toward inclusion. According to recent reports, New Jersey is now the 20th state to add “X” gender markers on state driver’s licenses for all who decide not to specify their gender.
@CNN reports, New Jersey recently made a major move to include all state residents who don’t identify inside traditional gender roles with its new update to state driver’s licenses. Following a previously passed legislation by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, New Jersey residents now have the option of using the new “X” gender marker identifier—which indicates that a person’s gender is unspecified. This new amendment to state driver’s licenses is a very big step for those who identify as nonbinary, which is defined as someone who doesn’t identify as male or female.
Additionally, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission also confirmed that the license update is beneficial to anyone who doesn’t want their gender specified on their license or other identification. The “X” gender marker was initially scheduled for 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused a considerable delay. “X” gender marker options have been a crucial element of the transgender community’s efforts to push for gender markers on documents—ultimately allowing them better access to housing, employment or other public benefits, according to the National Center for Transgender Equality.
NJMVC Chief Administrator Sue Fulton released a statement regarding the new change. “Diversity and inclusion are core values for New Jersey, and for all of us at the MVC. We know this new option will be deeply impactful for many residents, as access to resources and the ability to live and work freely so often hinges on having documentation that correctly reflects your identity,” she said.
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