McDermott, Council Assist Trans Community with ID Changes

December 9, 2016

Summary

In King County, the League estimates that only 21 percent of the trans community has access to identity documents that match their gender, an issue that increases the likelihood of discrimination and physical violence.

Story

The Metropolitan King County Council is including $10,000 in its supplemental budget to assist the Gender Justice League in their efforts to lessen the financial and legal hardships associated with changing identification documents.

In King County, the League estimates that only 21 percent of the trans community has access to identity documents that match their gender, an issue that increases the likelihood of discrimination and physical violence. The biggest barrier cited for this discrepancy is cost.

“Every member of our community deserves to have an ID that matches who they are,” said Council Chair Joe McDermott, who introduced the amendment. “It costs almost $500 for these changes, including name changes, licenses and passports. We can and must do better to show our support.”

The amendment, passed unanimously earlier this week, provides support to offset County-related costs for individuals seeking to change their identification documents. County related fees alone total $171.