New York City now allows residents to select a third gender of X on their birth certificates

As of the first day of 2019, New Yorkers now have the option of selecting neither male or female on birth certificates in New York City.

Parents had already been able to select 'undetermined' or 'unknown' for newborns, but the new measure would allow adults to select 'X' on their own birth certificates.

According to the NYC Health website, transgender and gender non-binary New Yorkers will only need a notarized affidavit to affirm their gender identity for the change to the documentation.   

'Transgender and gender non-conforming New Yorkers deserve the right to choose how they identify and to live with respect and dignity,' said Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Democrat, said of the changes. 'This bold new policy advances the fight for equality and makes our City fairer for all people.'

 De Blasio (center with right arm raised) said the new law allows transgender and gender non-conforming New Yorkers to live with dignity and respect

The new law now allows adult New Yorkers to select a third gender option for their own birth certificates without requiring a letter from a doctor to affirm their identity

When City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, also a Democrat, introduced easing rules on legal name changes in 2014, more than 1,000 birth certificates were amended afterwards, compared to only 20 amendments per year in the previous four years.

'I have long advocated for this gender 'X' category option and I am proud that New York's birth certificates are now as inclusive as our City,' said Speaker Johnson, who also helped usher in this new law.

'By offering a non-binary option and a less burdensome way to change one's gender on their birth certificate, the City is moving in the right direction towards full equality for New Yorkers who have historically been marginalized and ignored,' according to Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot. 

New York City now joins four states, Oregon, California, Washington and New Jersey, in offering non-binary gender options on birth certificates. 

City Council Speaker Corey Johnson who helped usher in the law said now New Yorkers 'can make their own choice' as it regards to their gender identity

The Mayor's office also praised Germany in making their change to gender identity options in 2019 as well. 

'Congratulations to Germany on joining New York City and becoming the first E.U. country to recognize a third gender on birth certificates!' the account tweeted.

The gender option is one of a number of regulatory changes that came to the Big Apple with the New Year. 

The minimum wage of $13.50 per hour for businesses with 10 or fewer employees, and $15.00 for businesses with 11 or more, actually went into affect on New Year's Eve.

The ban on cigarette sales in pharmacies and single-use styrofoam products went into affect on New Year's Day as well.