A gender change in Mizoram is not an easy process, it takes a long time. In this section, we are going to explain the process of gender change in Mizoram.
Gender Change or Gender Transition refers to changing one’s gender by the gender to which they identify. In Mizoram, the gender change process is not as easy as it looks. Transgenders must consider various factors including their own gender identity, their residing area, and other legal and medical help.
Mizoram has made progress in recognizing and defending the rights of transgender individuals and classifies them as a third gender. The right of transgender people to self-identify as male, female, or third gender was recognized by the Supreme Court of Mizoram in 2014. The court also ordered the government to give them access to possibilities for job, education, and medical treatment.
While Mizoram has given Transgender a place in society, yet the process of Gender change is challenging for them. As per the current reports, different states have different requirements for this process. Some require a medical certificate while others require a Gazette notification by the court. Both these procedures are tedious and time-consuming. Despite these obstacles, there are various ways through which Gender change takes place in Mizoram.
Reasons for gender change in Mizoram
Gender dysphoria: People who have this disorder feel distressed and uncomfortable because their gender identity and their biological sex don’t match. By enabling people to live with their gender identity, gender transition can lessen gender dysphoria.
Social acceptance: Transgender and non-binary people in Mizoram experience severe discrimination and stigma. By enabling people to live according to their authentic gender identity, gender transformation can support more societal acceptance and inclusion.
Access to healthcare: Transgender people may have easier access to gender-affirming treatments including hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery, which can lessen gender dysphoria and enhance physical and mental health.
Legal recognition: A person’s gender identity may be officially recognized through a gender change, enabling them to get identity documents that accurately reflect their true gender. This is crucial for having access to possibilities for jobs, education, and healthcare as well as for actively engaging in society.
Process of Gender Change in Mizoram
All over Mizoram the process of Gender Change keeps changing however some of the common steps which are needed before the gender change are as follows:
Counselling: People who want to transition to a new gender are typically needed to go through counselling sessions with a mental health specialist. In doing so, it will be possible to be certain that the individual is making an informed choice and is emotionally and mentally ready for the change.
Medical Certification: In some places, persons may be compelled to obtain a medical certificate attesting to their gender dysphoria and the requirement for medical intervention from a government hospital or a licensed medical professional. Hormone therapy and/or gender reassignment surgery are frequently required steps in the medical certification procedure.
Legal Procedures: A person can begin the legal procedure of changing their gender after receiving the required medical certification. Depending on the state, this can require getting a court order or a gazette notification. People could also be compelled by some jurisdictions to advertise their name change in a neighborhood newspaper.
Changes to Documents: After the legal procedure of changing one’s gender is finished, a person can apply for new identity documents, such as proof of birth, passport, and driver’s license that reflect their new gender.
Documents required for Gender Change in Mizoram
The following documents are required for Gender Change in Mizoram:
- A self- signed photocopy of identity card which could be Aadhar Card, PAN Card or Voter ID.
- Two self-signed passport-sized photos.
- A newspaper which has announced about the gender change of the person.
- An official specimen signed by two witnesses.
- A statement confirming the truthfulness of the information in the application.
- A letter requesting a response together with the necessary payment to the authority.
Medical documents that are required
1) GID (Gender Identity Disorder)/GD (Gender Dysphoria) letter
2) HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) initiation letter
3) Any kind of surgery document that adds value to the whole scenario.
Preparing for Gender reassignment surgery in Mizoram
Surgery to change a person’s physical features to fit their gender identity is known as gender reassignment surgery (GRS). GRS is a medical procedure that is accepted by law in Mizoram and is offered by private as well as public hospitals.
The following are necessary steps to undertake before a gender reassignment surgery:
For legal reasons, the patient must be at least 18 years old. Before deciding to have sex change surgery, individuals should first start hormone therapy and continue it for at least a year.
To be eligible for sex change surgery, the patient must have one of the following diagnoses, according to the doctor. The prerequisites are gender dysphoria, gender identity disorder-related anxiety, and/or depression.
A licensed clinical psychologist or psychiatrist must give the patient’s consent.
Procedure to publish gazette notification for gender change in Mizoram
Affidavit of Gender Change
When you want to change your gender, an affidavit is very important. The reason for the gender change must be stated in the affidavit.
News paper publication
After the affidavit is created, it is important to publish articles in two English and one local language newspapers about gender change.
Get the application ready
The request for a name change and gender change is normally included in the application for gazette notification, along with any necessary supporting documentation like a doctor’s certificate and a court order. (if required). The application must be typed on simple white paper or using the government’s given template.
Application submission
You have two options for submitting your request for a gazette notice: online or in person at the government press’s official office. In some states, the application can be submitted via a specific portal on the government’s main website.
Pay the charge
Publishing a gazette announcement normally requires a price. Depending on the state and the kind of notification wanted, the charge may change.
A few weeks or months may pass after the application is submitted before the notification is published in the gazette. The announcement will be made public once it has been published and will be accessible both online and in print.
Obtain updated identity documents: Following the publication of the gazette notification, people can apply for updated identity documents, including a new birth certificate, passport, and driver’s license that reflects their new gender.
Also Read:
