California Legally Recognizes Third Gender Option

For the first time in state history, California will legally recognize a third gender option for residents who do not identify as male or female next year.

Gov. Jerry Brown signed the “Gender Recognition Act” on Sunday to make it easier for people to change gender on state identification and birth certificates, while establishing a “nonbinary” designation.

The law defines nonbinary as an “umbrella term for people with gender identities that fall somewhere outside of the traditional conceptions of strictly either female or male,” including but not limited to some transgender individuals and those born with intersex traits.

Advocates say the measure expands rights for the state’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community by wiping out the need for a court order or proof of clinical treatment to apply for gender changes.

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