Self -determination law: 35 inquiries in Wilhelmshaven already received!

Self -determination law: 35 inquiries in Wilhelmshaven already received!

A revolutionary step for the rights of trans, interlectory and non-binary persons: On November 1, the new Self-Determination Act came into force! In Wilhelmshaven, the city administration has already registered 35 inquiries to the registry office, which show that many people want to make use of this change in law. This law significantly facilitates the change in gender entries and first names and represents significant progress in equality.

Not everyone is satisfied with the innovations. Layla Schmidt, a 25-year-old software developer and member of the Wilhelmshaven CSD's organization team, expresses concerns. "The bureaucracy was a big hurdle," reports her own experience with the old Transsexual Act, which required a court decision and two reports. Her application procedure cost around 1200 euros and was characterized by unpleasant questions. "The three -month thinking period that provides the new law is an unnecessary hurdle for many," she criticizes. "Anyone who has already decided on a name has usually dealt intensively with their identity."

challenges remain

Despite the progress, there is still a lot to do. Layla Schmidt points out that the new law does not affect the right of parentage. Anyone who has created a child before their transition will continue to be listed as a "father" in their birth certificate. There is also considerable improvement in the medical field. "The current increase in transladiness in the western world worries me," she says. Political decisions in countries such as Great Britain and the United States could also have negative effects in Germany. "The self -determination law is a big step, but it's not the end of the trip," she summarizes.