Background to the GRC

Under the laws of the United Kingdom, individuals are considered by the State to be of the gender – either male or female – that is registered on their birth certificates. The Gender Recognition Act 2004 enables transsexual people to apply to the Gender Recognition Panel to receive a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC).

If you’ve been living in your new gender for a minimum of two years, you could qualify to apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate. You WILL need to have proof of living in your new gender for two years, accompanied by a medcial report from the GIC or other qualified authority.

NOTE:  You don’t need to have had gender reassignment surgery in order to qualify for a GRC.

NOTE:  You don’t need a GRC in order to change your name, medical records, drivers licence, bank account, passport, etc.

NOTE:  You are NOT obliged to have a GRC in order to live your life in your new gender.

There are many implications of receiving legal recognition in your acquired gender. Most of these will be positive, since they will give a legal basis to the way that you have been living your life for some time – in your acquired gender. This will be the case for the vast majority of transsexual people. Depending on your circumstances, there may be emotional and financial disadvantages of obtaining legal recognition in your acquired gender.

So, what are the advantages of having a GRC?

1. In the eyes of the law you will be considered to be your newly acquired gender.
2. You will be entitled to all the rights appropriate to a person of your acquired gender.
3. You will also be able to obtain a new birth certificate showing your recognised legal gender.
4. When you die your death certifcate will show your acquired gender.

So, what are the disadvantages of a GRC?

1. When you retire you’ll receive state pension at the age appropriate to your acquired gender.
2. If you’re married, your spouse would need to sign statutory declaration to confirm they consent to the marriage continuing after the issue of a full GRC. If your spouse does not consent to the marriage continuing post gender recognition you will have to weigh up the benefits of legal recognition in your acquired gender against the disadvantages of ending your marriage or civil partnership.

The link to the GRC website & Application: Click here

It currently costs £5 to apply.