Resources FAQs 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.