Friend –

My name is Shige Sakurai. Almost four years ago, I became the first person in the country to obtain an official nonbinary, gender-neutral X-marker on my driver's license. And on Inauguration Day last week, I applied for an X marker on my passport, despite the fact the federal government does not yet permit it.

That's why I'm writing to you today. Because as much as trans and nonbinary people need access to IDs that accurately reflect who we are, our government doesn't make it easy. And there's action you can take right now to push for change.

You see, only 11 percent of trans people in America have an accurate name and gender marker on all IDs and records. That's because of burdensome requirements that prevent us from getting updated identification, often putting our safety at risk.

The Biden-Harris administration has the power to fix this in its first 100 days: Issue an executive order directing all federal agencies to remove medical documentation requirements for updating gender markers and add a gender-neutral "X" designation to federal IDs and records for anyone whom an "M" or an "F" is not suitable. Will you join me today by signing the ACLU's petition urging them to do so now?

I live in Washington, D.C., the first U.S. jurisdiction to officially issue X-marker, gender-neutral IDs. Now, there are nearly 20 states that use an "X" designation option – and the federal government needs to catch up.

What's more, the documentation requirements to change a gender marker present extreme obstacles and many healthcare providers have spoken out against it. Medical letters are costly, complicated, an invasion of privacy, and entirely unnecessary, and they prevent many trans and nonbinary people from getting an updated ID to move through the world.

The fact is, refusing to provide accurate IDs puts trans men, trans women, intersex people, and nonbinary people in potential danger. Showing an ID with a name or gender marker that doesn't match your gender presentation or identity risks verbal harassment, denial of services, and violence – the last especially impacting Middle Eastern, Native American, and Black trans and nonbinary people

ACLU Supporter, nobody should be forced to present documents that tell lies about who you are. As a nonbinary person, I want to be recognized for who I am. And after years of being erased through cruel administrative actions, it's time our federal government did better.

Please, join me in urging the Biden administration to issue the executive order that will give accurate and accessible IDs for all: Sign the petition today.

Thank you,

Shige Sakurai for ACLU
Pronouns: They, them, theirs
LGBTQ Activist and Creator of International Pronouns Day