To Whom it May Concern,

For over 25 years Side by Side, formerly ROSMY, has worked to ensure Virginia's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth have a safe affirming place to call home and ultimately can flourish in our communities. We strongly support the proposed change to update how an individual alters their birth certificate.

Having documentation that reflects who you are is paramount to success for transgender youth and adults. With "gender reassignment surgery" being extremely expensive and no surgeons in Virginia who currently offer this procedure; it is an unfair and unjust burden on transgender people to require this to alter their gender marker on their birth certificate. Also not every transgender person decides to undergo surgery; and we should not force them to.

Having consistent and updated documentation that reflects who you are impacts your ability to get an education and loans, become employed, and live a full life. Side by Side strongly supports the update of regulation 12 VAC 5-550 to make sure that all Virginians can have a birth certificate that reflects who they are.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Ted Lewis, Executive Director