Puerto Rico Supreme Court allows ‘X’ as a third gender choice on birth certificates

On Monday, activists rejoiced at a decision by Puerto Rico’s Supreme Court permitting nonbinary and gender-nonconforming individuals to update their birth certificates.

This ruling follows a lawsuit filed by six nonbinary individuals against Puerto Rico’s governor, health secretary, and other officials.

As a result of this decision, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming individuals can now choose ‘X’ as their gender marker on birth certificates, according to ‘NBC News’.

Pedro Julio Serrano, president of Puerto Rico’s LGBTQ+ Federation, hailed Friday’s decision as historic and one that promotes equality. Meanwhile, Governor Jenniffer González Colón stated she was awaiting recommendations from Puerto Rico’s Justice Department related to the ruling.

This decision comes over seven years after a U.S.A. federal court mandated that Puerto Rico’s government must allow trans individuals to change their gender on birth certificates if they wish, following a previous lawsuit.