In a landmark step for trans and intersex rights, the U.S. Virgin Islands has become the first American territory to formally allow gender marker changes on official identification documents.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. signed Executive Order No. 543-2025 on 15 October, establishing a clear process for Virgin Islanders to update their birth certificates and government-issued IDs to accurately reflect their gender identity.
“This Executive Order provides a fair and compassionate process where none existed before,” Bryan said during the signing ceremony.
“It ensures that our government recognises and respects the lived realities of all our residents.”
A Clear Path to Recognition
The order allows adults to submit written applications for gender marker changes, while parents or guardians may apply on behalf of minors. Applications must include either a healthcare provider’s statement verifying an intersex condition or a court order approving the change.
Importantly, the policy replaces the word “sex” with “gender” on official documentation — aligning the territory with over two dozen U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C., that have adopted similar inclusive measures.
Executive Action After Legislative Inaction
Governor Bryan previously attempted to pass a bill that would have legislated these rights, but the proposal stalled in the legislature last year. Rather than let the issue fade, he used executive authority to push forward the change — a move praised by LGBTQ+ advocates as both courageous and compassionate.
The new directive builds on the territory’s already-strong legal protections. The Virgin Islands bans discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation and does not restrict gender-affirming healthcare, athletic participation, or public restroom access.
A Beacon Amid Backlash
The move comes at a time when many U.S. states — including Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Kansas, and Oklahoma — are actively restricting the ability of transgender individuals to amend identity documents.
More than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have emerged across the United States in the past two years, targeting healthcare, education, and civil rights. Against that national trend, the U.S. Virgin Islands’ action serves as a rare and powerful gesture of inclusion.
ID That Affirms Identity
For trans and intersex people, having accurate identification is a matter of both safety and dignity. It can help prevent harassment, ease access to jobs and housing, and allow individuals to live authentically without justification.
The executive order also honours the years of advocacy by local organisers who fought tirelessly for visibility and legal recognition.
In a time when many governments are legislating against the existence of trans and intersex individuals, the U.S. Virgin Islands has taken a different route — one grounded in respect, clarity, and the simple right to be seen as you are.
