As a Virginian, I want to state my support for the updates to 12 VAC 5-550. These important updates will remove outdated language and clarify the gender change process for Virginia birth certificates. Every person in Virginia should have access to identity documents that accurately reflect who they are so they can live and work in the Commonwealth without experiencing discrimination and harassment.  As a physician who is an advocate for the LGBQT community and who treats transgender individuals, I have had patients be rejected for gender change request due to the way this law is currently written. Many of my patients do not choose to undergo surgical procedures until well into the process of transition, if at all. It is unfair that they are not able to legally change their gender even if they have completely transitioned through the use of hormones. I completely support this change in law.