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[Headlines] (HL-사건/사고/법률) Meet the First American to Get a Gender Neutral ‘X’ License
최고관리자  |  17-07-16 05:33

Washington DC was the first city in the United States to issue gender neutral driver’s licenses and identification (ID) documents. The new policy went into effect June 27. It allows people to choose “X” as their gender if they do not identify as either male or female. Previously, Washington DC residents seeking a driver’s license or identification card had to choose “M” for male of “F” for female. This has also been the requirement in other American states. Earlier this month, Oregon became the first state to approve the “X” choice for people seeking a driver’s license or ID. Oregon’s new policy took effect July 3. Many countries allow people to choose a neutral gender on official documents, including passports. These include Australia, Germany, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and New Zealand. The U.S. government does not issue passports for people who identify as neither male nor female. The new policies in Washington DC and Oregon allow people to report gender identification themselves. They no longer have to have a doctor or social worker confirm their choice. The first person in America to receive a gender neutral driver’s license was Washington DC resident Nic Sakurai. “I was really excited to get a government identification that legitimized who I am, that made me feel included and that my government sees me.” Sakurai does not identify as either male or female and chooses to use the pronoun they/them.
* gender neutral = 성중립적인/ driver's license = 운전 면허증/ go into effect = 효력이 발생하다, 발효하다, 실시되다/ identify as ~ = ~라고 밝히다/ take effect = 효력을 발휘하기 시작하다/ official document = 공문서/ confirm = 사실임을 보여주다[확인해 주다]/ legitimize = 합법화하다; 정당화하다/ pronoun = 대명사

Unlike some countries, the United States does not have a national ID, so the driver’s license is required for many uses. Sakurai said while some people might be confused when they see the “X,” it can be a good way to educate about the issue. “For me, it's the knowledge that I have the backing of my local government that they understand that there are more than two genders or sexes. And by displaying the document, I can use that to initiate a conversation.” One organization working closely with Washington DC officials on the change was the National Center for Transgender Equality. The group called the policy change a “tremendous first step” in recognizing a growing part of the population. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the new policy is in keeping with Washington DC’s commitment to improve rights for all members of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning) community. “The safety and well-being of all Washingtonians is my top priority,” she said in a statement. LGBTQ groups have said that allowing the “X” option on official documents will help reduce discrimination and raise awareness of gender identity issues.
* unlike ~ = ~와는 달리/ backing = 지원/ display = 내보이다; 전시[진열]하다/ initiate = 개시하다, 착수시키다/ tremendous = 엄청난, 대단한, 굉장한/ step = (어떤 목표를 달성하기 위한) 움직임[걸음/조치]/ in keeping with ~ = ~와 일치[조화]하여, 어울려/ top priority = 최우선 사항/ discrimination = 차별/ raise awareness of ~ = ~에 대한 의식을 고취시키다/ gender identity = 성별 인식[자각]