Gender X and personal identity on government documents

By Kelly Goldthorpe and Madison Gateman ( May 25, 2022, 10:31 AM EDT) -- Sex and gender are separate personal characteristics. Sex refers to biological characteristics while gender more broadly refers to a social identity. For many individuals, the distinction between sex and gender does not impact their day-to-day life. The categories of “M” or the “F” on a form can be checked off without a second thought. However, the distinction between sex and gender can be important for those who have a gender identity or lived experience that does not align with their sex at birth. Government-issued documents that capture this information can hold practical and emotional significance for some people....