Hello everyone! Today we have a hot topic to share with you. This topic is super hot because it is about the legal recognition of gender identity in Thailand. Even though we just passed the Pride event with the parade walking everywhere, there are still people asking why the title has to be changed. Why change it? Let me tell you. I intend to summarize it in a way that is very easy to understand.
Deep Dive into “GEN-ACT”!
First of all, did you know that our country currently has a draft law on the recognition of gender identity, gender expression, and gender characteristics, or simply called “GEN-ACT”? This draft will allow everyone to identify their own gender without the need for medical verification? This is awesome, my friend!
Highlights of GEN-ACT
Apply for gender identity certification, regardless of whether you are male, female, or other genders, you can apply from the age of 15 and up!
Use the name you want. You can specify the first name as you want, without violating the Personal Name Act. This way, you can change your name and change your appearance.
Specify your desired gender: Male, female, or other gender (Other/X) for those who have diverse biological sex characteristics or do not match the gender binary system.
For Intersex and Non-binary children
For those who were born as Intersex or Non-binary, don’t worry because this draft stipulates that the gender on the birth certificate can be specified as other gender (Other/X). And when you are 15 years old, you can apply to change your information.
No surgery or forced hormones
This is very good. That is, there is no need for surgery or hormones to confirm gender identity, to match the gender that she does not want to be and may cause problems in the future. But she can choose it according to her own wishes. This is super chill!
Speaking of this, there is a story from a trans man (transformed from female to male) that there was an Intersex sibling who was born with 2 genders, but the parents chose to be male. Do you know what happened? Yes, the sibling was operated on to be male by connecting the urethra to the excretory organs. And it was not just one round of surgery, it was multiple rounds!! Because the sibling was born with a short urethra...which when growing up, if chosen this way, it means that the sibling may have to suffer for the rest of their life because they are limited to being Mr. or male, even though if the sibling had decided to be a woman, it might not have to suffer this much.
Gender-specific titles
After the gender is confirmed, she can use the title that corresponds to her gender identity, such as Mr., Miss, or Name, as desired.
Do not disclose original information
To protect privacy, information about the gender and name on the original birth certificate will be kept confidential. The data controller is prohibited from disclosing such information without the consent of the data owner.
Questions and answers
Some people may have concerns about this gender identity certification. Let's look at the concerns and answers.
Question: "Will allowing everyone to identify their own gender cause confusion in the bureaucracy and society?"
Answer: Don't worry! The bureaucracy must adapt to the times and support this change. Identifying your own gender will help people be happier and more authentic, and will make our society more friendly and understanding of gender diversity.
Question: "What if children want to change their gender but their parents don't agree?"
Answer: If children are under 15 years old and want to change their gender but their parents don't agree, the children can request the prosecutor to file a petition with the court so that the court can order the registrar to change the information according to the child's gender identity.
Question: "Will this gender identity certification cause discrimination in the workplace or school?"
Answer: Gender identity certification will reduce discrimination and increase acceptance in society. Workplaces and schools will have to adapt to support gender diversity and protect everyone's rights equally.
Summary
This GEN-ACT draft gender identity recognition is a great change for our hearts. It allows everyone to live their lives to the fullest without facing discrimination or ostracism anymore.
Finally, don't forget to sign the petition for the Gender Identity Recognition Act at testBKK.org/genactsign. We will see good changes in our society. Keep fighting everyone!
Follow more stories and information at testBKK.org. Don't forget to take care of your health and enjoy your life to the fullest. Kisses 💋
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References and sources
1. iLaw. (2023). Medical Evidence, Draft Gender Identity Recognition Act. Retrieved from https://www.ilaw.or.th/articles/6227#:~:text=MedicalEvidence-, Draft Gender Identity Recognition Act, Identity in Identity Documents
2. Faculty of Law, Thammasat University. (2023). Diverse and easy-to-understand legal knowledge, Set 48: “Draft of the Gender Identity Recognition Act”. Retrieved from https://www.law.tu.ac.th/tulawinfographic48/
