Current:Home > FinanceHong Kong transgender activist gets ID card reflecting gender change after yearslong legal battle-InfoLens
Hong Kong transgender activist gets ID card reflecting gender change after yearslong legal battle
View Date:2024-12-23 16:47:42
HONG KONG (AP) — A Hong Kong transgender activist on Monday received a new ID card reflecting his gender change, after a yearslong legal battle to change the document, and he vowed to continue working for equality for the LGBTQ+ community.
Henry Tse won his appeal over the government’s refusal to change the gender on his ID card in February 2023. Previously, Tse was not able to make the change because he did not undergo full gender-affirmation surgery.
Last year, the city’s top court said the government’s policy was unconstitutional in a landmark ruling, arguing it imposed an unacceptably harsh burden. The judgment prompted an easing of rules earlier this month.
Tse’s victory is seen as an important step forward for the city’s LGBTQ+ community, many of whose transgender members consider the operation unnecessary and risky.
After obtaining his new ID card, Tse told reporters that life has not been easy since he lodged a judicial review in 2017. In addition to the legal challenges, he has also faced obstacles from the government and attacks from others.
“What is normal for many people has finally become normal for us,” Tse said.
Public sentiment in Hong Kong has become increasingly welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community, but many still face challenges in daily life.
Tse said bank staff told him he did not match his ID card and asked him to resubmit documents. He also could not change the gender on his travel permit to mainland China, which caused him a delay when crossing the border. Immigration officials searched their computer for 15 minutes, he said, before finally letting him enter.
In April, the Hong Kong government revised its policy to allow people who have not completed full gender-affirmation surgery to change their genders on ID cards as long as they fulfill certain conditions. The conditions include the removal of breasts for transgender men, the removal of the penis and testes for transgender women, and having undergone continuous hormonal treatment for at least two years before applying.
Applicants also have to continue their hormonal treatment and submit blood test reports for random checks upon the government’s request.
Tse, after receiving his new ID card, said he would start changing his other documents, including his passport and bank details. The activist, who was previously active in sports, said he might sign up for a gym membership too.
“It’s a return to normal life,” he said.
veryGood! (8947)
Related
- South Carolina does not set a date for the next execution after requests for a holiday pause
- Goldie Hawn Reveals NSFW Secret to Long-Lasting Relationship With Kurt Russell
- Death of Stanford goalie Katie Meyer in 2022 leads to new law in California
- Why Oscar hopeful 'Nickel Boys' is 'nothing like' any film you've ever seen
- NATO’s Rutte calls for more Western support for Ukraine, warns of Russian alliances
- John Ashton, Taggart in 'Beverly Hills Cop' films, dies at 76
- FBI to pay $22M to settle claims of sexual discrimination at training academy
- Amal and George Clooney Share the Romantic Way They’re Celebrating 10th Wedding Anniversary
- NASCAR Championship race live updates, how to watch: Cup title on the line at Phoenix
- Rashee Rice's injury opens the door for Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy
Ranking
- Watch as dust storm that caused 20-car pileup whips through central California
- Opinion: Florida celebrating Ole Miss loss to Kentucky? It brings Lane Kiffin closer to replacing Billy Napier
- Kris Kristofferson mourned by country music icons Dolly Parton, more: 'What a great loss'
- DirecTV will buy rival Dish to create massive pay-TV company after yearslong pursuit
- Trump announces Tom Homan, former director of immigration enforcement, will serve as ‘border czar’
- Jordan Love injury update: Packers will start veteran quarterback in Week 4 vs. Vikings
- Knicks trade for Karl-Anthony Towns in blockbuster deal
- Do food dyes make ADHD worse? Why some studies' findings spur food coloring bans
Recommendation
-
Arizona Supreme Court declines emergency request to extend ballot ‘curing’ deadline
-
How to watch SpaceX, NASA launch that will bring Starliner astronauts home in 2025
-
Looking Back on Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Falchuk's Pinterest-Perfect Hamptons Wedding
-
Don't put your money in the bank and forget about it. These tips can maximize your savings.
-
Five best fits for Alex Bregman: Will Astros homegrown star leave as free agent?
-
Sister Wives: Christine Brown and Robyn Brown Have “Awkward” Reunion
-
Rashee Rice's injury opens the door for Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy
-
Stuck NASA astronauts welcome SpaceX capsule that’ll bring them home next year