BY LISA DAZOLS
Argentina has led the world again in LGBT rights, this time focusing on the transgender community. Yesterday, legislation passed allows a legal change of gender by simply filling out a form. This is a progressive step. To change your gender, most countries require a medical diagnosis, letters from therapists and often medical intervention.
But in Argentina, activists called for a right to chose one’s identity without a surgery requirement or court action. This allows people to have immediate access to a new identity card that matches their gender presentation. An ID is a first step to any legal transaction whether it be submitting job applications, applying for loans, or accessing medical treatment.
Lisa Dazols is a licensed clinical social worker who is in her tenth year in HIV services. She and her partner Jenni traveled all over the world meeting the LGBT community for their OutandAround blog project, which is now being made into a documentary.
