What is the Gender Recognition Act?

The Gender Recognition Act 2004 gives legal recognition (to those seeking resolution to their gender variance issues) in their acquired gender. There are a number of criteria which the trans person has to satisfy in order for the Gender Recognition Panel (a judicial body that comprises of lawyers and doctors) to consider their case:

• have or have had gender dysphoria, and
• have lived in  the acquired gender for two years prior to application, and 
• intend to live permanently in the acquired gender.

Following a successful application, a trans person will acquire the rights and responsibilities of their acquired gender from the date of recognition for ‘all purposes’. A Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) will be issued, the birth certificate is automatically replaced, for those whose birth was in the UK.