Adult Directory 2013

XXI. LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER
And SEXUAL MINORITY SERVICES
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) individuals encounter a unique set of
circumstances when interacting with law enforcement and social service organizations.
Law enforcement (police, marshals, corrections) respond strictly to the gender of the
individual. LGBT persons are placed in facilities according to their biological gender.
Special accommodations are generally made only if the LGBT individual demonstrates
danger to self or others. DC Department of Corrections (DOC) will consider that request
of a LGBT inmate to be placed in a housing unit consistent with their gender
identification.
The District of Columbia 8 along with a growing number of other states and
municipalities have adopted human rights laws that require employers, housing providers,
public accommodations and educational institutions to provide services to transgender
individuals in a manner consistent with their identity or expression, rather than according
to their presumed or assigned sex or gender.
Gender Reassignment: An individual who is biologically one gender and lives the life
of the other gender can have his gender identity reassigned even if that individual has not
been altered physically. To apply for change of gender designation the applicant must
submit a completed DMV “Gender Designation Form” on-line or at any DMV location.
The form requires a statement from a physician, licensed therapist or counselor, case
worker or social worker who can certify that the applicant has been, is currently, and will
continue in the unforeseeable future to live as the gender for which he/she is applying.
The cost of the new identification card is $7. A changed ID card can help avoid problems
when trying to access programs such as public accommodations (shelter, restrooms
etc).
Birth Certificate Gender Redesignation: The JaParker Deoni Jones Birth Certificate
Equality Amendment Act of 2013 (Effective November 19, 2013) allows individuals who
have undergone a gender transition procedure (surgical, hormonal, or other appropriate
treatment) may request a new birth certificate to reflect their changed gender . With
supporting documentation of the transition from licensed physician, application for a new
birth certificate is made at: Vital Records Division, 825 North Capitol Street, NW, First
Floor, 20002 (202) 442-9009. Cost for a reassigned birth certificate is $23. The old birth
certificate is thereafter sealed from public review.
Same-sex marriage: Same sex couples can legally marry in DC. Couples apply at DC
Superior Court Marriage Bureau, H. Carl Moultrie I Courthouse, 500 Indiana Ave, NW,
#4485, (Mon-Fri 8am to5pm). Must have proof of ID (Driver’s license or government
issued non-driver’s ID, birth certificate, passport). Cost: $35 marriage application fee,
and $10. for copy of the marriage certificate. If the couple is already registered as
Domestic Partners in DC, the $35. license fee is waived.
8 Title 4, DCMR, Chapter 8 “Compliance Rules and Regulations Regarding Gender Identity of
Expression.”
Adult Resource Directory: 2013
Community & Confinement Access Guide
265