In a letter signed onto by every member of the Florida Democratic congressional delegation, Florida Democrats call upon Biden to use the Real ID Act to block a ban on trans drivers license changes.
In the past, I've been more supportive of Biden than some but regardless, it's time for him to put-up, or shut-up. This will tell us everything we need to know about him.
While simply invoking the Real ID act to counter Florida's effort will be a step, a full-throat denunciation of Republican trans-hate would tell everyone where he stands and what to think of these hateful attacks. Either way,, this feels like the eve of an historic moment.
Criticize all you want - I certainly do - but come November, it's imperative to vote for Biden and for any Democrat on the ballot. And remember that a non-vote or a third-party vote is effectively half a vote for the Republican. Even if the Democrats you're voting for are not fully supportive of trans rights, we see the alternative on this page every single day, and it's terrifying.
Thank you for making it clear just how important a vote for Biden is in 2024. Biden at his very worst is orders of magnitude better than any Republican candidate would ever be. Think Project 2025.
I agree. It's my understanding that Beau Biden had a close friend that was acquainted with the entire family. As Delaware AG, Beau Biden pushed the legislature to pass bills protecting trans rights that he vowed to uphold. I have no doubt that Joe Biden's inclination is to support us and that he sees the republican's attacks for what they are. I don't want to be a casualty of political expediency if his campaign decides we aren't a net plus in a close race.
That said, if he fails to respond and protect us, I will hold my nose and vote for him without hesitation.
Before then, we need to do everything we can to educate those cis people who should be our allies with info such as Erin's fantastic work on this latest hit job by the NYTs. This can be turned into a net plus for Biden if we can educate enough cis people about what is taking place but it's going to take a lot of work.
I'm a firm believer that only the power of the federal government will be able to stem the tide of this Republican crusade against us. It's troubling that the Biden administration is sitting by watching and doing just enough to appear to be an ally but not actually doing enough to protect us.
I have been troubled by the same. How dare he start out strong and ignore what has been going on for almost 4 years. He'll come out just to get our vote, and then go back to sleep. I HOPE NOT. These individual States are out-of-control with hate. Wake up, Pres. Biden!
It’s about time the federal government stepped in to halt these anti-trans driver license ID actions. They are cruel, violate equal protections, and expose the victims to discrimination, hate, and physical danger.
I have always been opposed to the REAL ID Act, mostly because of the potential dangers inherent in states sharing databases containing private information. Also because it was passed behind closed doors without Democrat involvement or debate.
However, since the REAL ID doesn't seem to be going anywhere, I'm glad that this delegation is at least using the existing act to protect trans people. It's a smart move.
I also believe that the REAL ID Act should be amended to state that gender markers are not required at all. Gender markers are ineffective in verifying a person's identity.
Wait, that last paragraph makes no sense. Way too many institutions depend on that marker, thus it would be impossible to change just cuz someone doesn't want it there. Because we can't be counted accurately, I still say we're a small part of the population of the U.S. and smaller part of the world at large. This isn't very realistic. I got mine changed before GCS, but I won't say how.
I had my gender markers changed on my driver's license and with the VA. My license says "X," and when I get my passport it will also say "X." I appreciate that I have the ability to do that.
Still, I don't believe that knowing my gender should be necessary to validate my identity to travel, access federal institutions, or open a bank account. My gender isn't printed on my plane ticket. They don't need to know my gender to give me a speeding ticket. The Social Security Admin doesn't need to know my gender to process my name change on my card. My bank doesn't offer any special non-binary interest rates that I'm aware of. It's irrelevant.
If the gender marker on the REAL ID were eliminated, then it would be much more difficult for the Florida gov't to target trans people using that method.
Is that realistic? Maybe not. I'm only speaking about what I believe should change. Ideas start somewhere.
It's relevant with crime, which the U.S. has a lot of. Also relevant with healthcare lest you end up with the wrong thing happening if you are knocked unconscious, can't speak or use your hands. There's lots of places. Your car insurance rates go up and down depending on what gender you are. If you should pass away, it also matters. If you end up going to a girl's or boy's college, it also matters. Think about places you're not thinking of at the moment. These were off the top of my head. I'm sure there's more. To say it doesn't matter at all would be inaccurate.
I was only referring to gender marker on identification to validate one's identity, not the validity or usefulness of gender itself — a much broader discussion.
As it happens, my VA health card does not list my gender. Neither do my family's insurance cards.
Once you're accepted at a boy's or girl's college, verifying your identity to access services using gender is irrelevant.
Yes, as you say, there are many instances where knowing a person's gender would matter. Again, I am only referring to gender as it relates to verifying one's identity with an ID card. When I show my ID to get on a plane or enter a VA health facility, my name and photo on the ID card are the only relevant means to identify me as the person I claim to be.
Way to backtrack. I am responding to you saying this: "I also believe that the REAL ID Act should be amended to state that gender markers are not required at all. Gender markers are ineffective in verifying a person's identity." My healthcare is the VA too, and that paragraph is inaccurate. Our cards are to verify we are veterans, not our gender anyway. Our birth gender is embedded within our records of the VA.
I did change my gender with social security after I found out they do have your gender in their database. X means nothing except you're alerting everyone that you are nonbinary or gender nonconforming. You said not required at all. Oh contraire. Now you keep adding to something you said clearly, changing the subject.
What people fail to be realistic about is, "This country & world are binary. Like it or not. VERY binary." You won't make that change or go away just because you say something as strange as you said. Without binary people, we wouldn't even be here. That's just a fact until science changes it if they can. Best to take a different tactic, because that one just won't win anything the way it was written. Perhaps the echo-chamber who don't make ID laws ... for now.
You seem to have a lot of anger towards my responses, and it's clear that you don't respect the non-binary identity. I don't know why, but it's clear we can't have a civil discussion. I won't be engaging with you any further on this or any other topic.
its funny how these conservative legislatures even contradict themselves in the legislations they propose, while they still acknowledge sex reassignment treatments in such legislation notice they don't define it and if they allow it as they do then sex isn't as immutable as they claim it to be
I would say even with it being comprised of Democrats in the open letter, I'd say it takes guts for these statemen and women to actively stand up against what is essentially the state of Florida's gov't (a fascist powderkeg led by a fascist trump-wannabe). It's about time someone pushed the Biden administration towards a more proactive position in halting the attempted genocide happening in red states against LGBTQ+ people.
Excellent reporting. thanx. And Biden has to do more for trans youth in light of the anti trans attacks. It's an emergency situation with tremendous fear, attacks, mental health decline and increased suicidiation. Do more Biden. Speak out more. Figure out how to do more. Come on.
I hope the Federal Government takes this issue seriously. I wish I knew what is wrong with the Florida governor that he has to try and take rights away from others.
Reading the work of historians of tyranny has been very useful in helping me understand the greater context into which the current moment fits. Historians reveal the recurring predictable patterns. Also, since all fascist movements all attack academic institutions first, historians in universities are in a good position to observe the changes as they happen.
Not everyone has time to read, but talks by these historians are available for free on YouTube. They have substacks also. Ones that have helped me are:
•JASON STANLEY (prof. philosophy Yale, author “How Fascism Works”)
•RUTH BEN GHIAT (prof. Italian Studies, NYU, author “Strongman”)
•KRISTIN KOBES DU MEZ (prof. gender studies, Calvin University, author “Jesus and John Wayne” (for understanding the evangelical turn towards “militant Christian manhood” and how it corrupted the church)
He's a right-wing populist. That's how they've worked since the dawn of time. Scapegoat a group of people by spreading lies about them to gin up political support and use that to increase your wealth, power, or both.
In addition to the others' thoughts on this, I believe that our mere existence challenges the white cis male assumption of entitlement that comes with being born white male. If gender is a construct (and I believe it is while also recognizing that in being a construct, gender is still of significant importance), then their claim to power is also a construct. Some just can't let us be because if we are accepted as being our true trans selves, their claim to power (hby virtue of having a white dick and acting all "manly") is drawn into question.
That’s a huge reason. White cis men have profited from their perceived superiority forever. This is so well documented in Ibram X Kendi’s book “Stamped from the Beginning”. I’m a seventy-year-old cis white woman and I’m stunned by how much I didnt know about the recurring patterns used to oppress. They’re even predictable. The patriarchal $powerful know this. They don’t need an education. They already know the hate they spew is outrageously cruel and immoral. They launch strategic cruelty anyway. One thing that gives me hope is more information and ways for well-intentioned cis people to educate ourselves and counter hateful ideologies are available than ever before.
You’re welcome. The onslaught of mean spiritedness and resentment the far right spews is so arrogant and repulsive, I find myself practically moved to tears when someone takes the time to express appreciation like you’ve done here. I wish you well in everything.
Just as long as he does it in a way that can't be reversed or used against trans people should, goddess forbid, a Republican get in the White House. :/
Yeah, "requiring one's gender/sex identifier on compliant state identification to match the gender on one's Federal identification documents" sounds like it could at least complicate the process of getting the marker changed -- and if a future administration tries to block/revert federal gender marker changes, this would force states to do the same. Of course, such an administration could add this rule themselves, but why make it easy for them?
Instead, I'd say that states cannot require any particular gender -- or barring that, that they cannot require a gender that does not match federal documentation.
Remember when Biden started his Presidency? His exact words about GLBTQI+ people were, “I’VE GOT YOUR BACK!”
President Biden, if you were telling the truth back then, then this is the time and situation to prove it. We’re really getting tired of being used by radical right wing politicians to prove why people should not vote for you. It’s time to call their bluff, and do the right thing in the process.
Excellent idea! Hopefully congressional delegations from other states will follow suit, and President Biden will face enormous pressure to take this step.
I'm a little frustrated with Americans at this point and wonder where have the Dems been all this time? First thought was, "About damn time!" I'm glad they are doing this, but I believe it'll take more States. I also hope they're not doing it just for votes, because they can easily go back to sleep if they get their way and not make this permanent ... in case the GOP get in complete control of this country.
In the past, I've been more supportive of Biden than some but regardless, it's time for him to put-up, or shut-up. This will tell us everything we need to know about him.
While simply invoking the Real ID act to counter Florida's effort will be a step, a full-throat denunciation of Republican trans-hate would tell everyone where he stands and what to think of these hateful attacks. Either way,, this feels like the eve of an historic moment.
Last thought - THANK YOU Erin!!!!
Criticize all you want - I certainly do - but come November, it's imperative to vote for Biden and for any Democrat on the ballot. And remember that a non-vote or a third-party vote is effectively half a vote for the Republican. Even if the Democrats you're voting for are not fully supportive of trans rights, we see the alternative on this page every single day, and it's terrifying.
Thank you for making it clear just how important a vote for Biden is in 2024. Biden at his very worst is orders of magnitude better than any Republican candidate would ever be. Think Project 2025.
I agree. It's my understanding that Beau Biden had a close friend that was acquainted with the entire family. As Delaware AG, Beau Biden pushed the legislature to pass bills protecting trans rights that he vowed to uphold. I have no doubt that Joe Biden's inclination is to support us and that he sees the republican's attacks for what they are. I don't want to be a casualty of political expediency if his campaign decides we aren't a net plus in a close race.
That said, if he fails to respond and protect us, I will hold my nose and vote for him without hesitation.
Before then, we need to do everything we can to educate those cis people who should be our allies with info such as Erin's fantastic work on this latest hit job by the NYTs. This can be turned into a net plus for Biden if we can educate enough cis people about what is taking place but it's going to take a lot of work.
I'm a firm believer that only the power of the federal government will be able to stem the tide of this Republican crusade against us. It's troubling that the Biden administration is sitting by watching and doing just enough to appear to be an ally but not actually doing enough to protect us.
I have been troubled by the same. How dare he start out strong and ignore what has been going on for almost 4 years. He'll come out just to get our vote, and then go back to sleep. I HOPE NOT. These individual States are out-of-control with hate. Wake up, Pres. Biden!
It’s about time the federal government stepped in to halt these anti-trans driver license ID actions. They are cruel, violate equal protections, and expose the victims to discrimination, hate, and physical danger.
I have always been opposed to the REAL ID Act, mostly because of the potential dangers inherent in states sharing databases containing private information. Also because it was passed behind closed doors without Democrat involvement or debate.
However, since the REAL ID doesn't seem to be going anywhere, I'm glad that this delegation is at least using the existing act to protect trans people. It's a smart move.
I also believe that the REAL ID Act should be amended to state that gender markers are not required at all. Gender markers are ineffective in verifying a person's identity.
Wait, that last paragraph makes no sense. Way too many institutions depend on that marker, thus it would be impossible to change just cuz someone doesn't want it there. Because we can't be counted accurately, I still say we're a small part of the population of the U.S. and smaller part of the world at large. This isn't very realistic. I got mine changed before GCS, but I won't say how.
I had my gender markers changed on my driver's license and with the VA. My license says "X," and when I get my passport it will also say "X." I appreciate that I have the ability to do that.
Still, I don't believe that knowing my gender should be necessary to validate my identity to travel, access federal institutions, or open a bank account. My gender isn't printed on my plane ticket. They don't need to know my gender to give me a speeding ticket. The Social Security Admin doesn't need to know my gender to process my name change on my card. My bank doesn't offer any special non-binary interest rates that I'm aware of. It's irrelevant.
If the gender marker on the REAL ID were eliminated, then it would be much more difficult for the Florida gov't to target trans people using that method.
Is that realistic? Maybe not. I'm only speaking about what I believe should change. Ideas start somewhere.
It's relevant with crime, which the U.S. has a lot of. Also relevant with healthcare lest you end up with the wrong thing happening if you are knocked unconscious, can't speak or use your hands. There's lots of places. Your car insurance rates go up and down depending on what gender you are. If you should pass away, it also matters. If you end up going to a girl's or boy's college, it also matters. Think about places you're not thinking of at the moment. These were off the top of my head. I'm sure there's more. To say it doesn't matter at all would be inaccurate.
I was only referring to gender marker on identification to validate one's identity, not the validity or usefulness of gender itself — a much broader discussion.
As it happens, my VA health card does not list my gender. Neither do my family's insurance cards.
Once you're accepted at a boy's or girl's college, verifying your identity to access services using gender is irrelevant.
Yes, as you say, there are many instances where knowing a person's gender would matter. Again, I am only referring to gender as it relates to verifying one's identity with an ID card. When I show my ID to get on a plane or enter a VA health facility, my name and photo on the ID card are the only relevant means to identify me as the person I claim to be.
Way to backtrack. I am responding to you saying this: "I also believe that the REAL ID Act should be amended to state that gender markers are not required at all. Gender markers are ineffective in verifying a person's identity." My healthcare is the VA too, and that paragraph is inaccurate. Our cards are to verify we are veterans, not our gender anyway. Our birth gender is embedded within our records of the VA.
I did change my gender with social security after I found out they do have your gender in their database. X means nothing except you're alerting everyone that you are nonbinary or gender nonconforming. You said not required at all. Oh contraire. Now you keep adding to something you said clearly, changing the subject.
What people fail to be realistic about is, "This country & world are binary. Like it or not. VERY binary." You won't make that change or go away just because you say something as strange as you said. Without binary people, we wouldn't even be here. That's just a fact until science changes it if they can. Best to take a different tactic, because that one just won't win anything the way it was written. Perhaps the echo-chamber who don't make ID laws ... for now.
You seem to have a lot of anger towards my responses, and it's clear that you don't respect the non-binary identity. I don't know why, but it's clear we can't have a civil discussion. I won't be engaging with you any further on this or any other topic.
I hope Biden does it. He must not be a coward.
Yep, not a time for cowardice!
its funny how these conservative legislatures even contradict themselves in the legislations they propose, while they still acknowledge sex reassignment treatments in such legislation notice they don't define it and if they allow it as they do then sex isn't as immutable as they claim it to be
I would say even with it being comprised of Democrats in the open letter, I'd say it takes guts for these statemen and women to actively stand up against what is essentially the state of Florida's gov't (a fascist powderkeg led by a fascist trump-wannabe). It's about time someone pushed the Biden administration towards a more proactive position in halting the attempted genocide happening in red states against LGBTQ+ people.
Excellent reporting. thanx. And Biden has to do more for trans youth in light of the anti trans attacks. It's an emergency situation with tremendous fear, attacks, mental health decline and increased suicidiation. Do more Biden. Speak out more. Figure out how to do more. Come on.
I hope the Federal Government takes this issue seriously. I wish I knew what is wrong with the Florida governor that he has to try and take rights away from others.
Reading the work of historians of tyranny has been very useful in helping me understand the greater context into which the current moment fits. Historians reveal the recurring predictable patterns. Also, since all fascist movements all attack academic institutions first, historians in universities are in a good position to observe the changes as they happen.
Not everyone has time to read, but talks by these historians are available for free on YouTube. They have substacks also. Ones that have helped me are:
•JASON STANLEY (prof. philosophy Yale, author “How Fascism Works”)
•RUTH BEN GHIAT (prof. Italian Studies, NYU, author “Strongman”)
•KRISTIN KOBES DU MEZ (prof. gender studies, Calvin University, author “Jesus and John Wayne” (for understanding the evangelical turn towards “militant Christian manhood” and how it corrupted the church)
He's a right-wing populist. That's how they've worked since the dawn of time. Scapegoat a group of people by spreading lies about them to gin up political support and use that to increase your wealth, power, or both.
In addition to the others' thoughts on this, I believe that our mere existence challenges the white cis male assumption of entitlement that comes with being born white male. If gender is a construct (and I believe it is while also recognizing that in being a construct, gender is still of significant importance), then their claim to power is also a construct. Some just can't let us be because if we are accepted as being our true trans selves, their claim to power (hby virtue of having a white dick and acting all "manly") is drawn into question.
That’s a huge reason. White cis men have profited from their perceived superiority forever. This is so well documented in Ibram X Kendi’s book “Stamped from the Beginning”. I’m a seventy-year-old cis white woman and I’m stunned by how much I didnt know about the recurring patterns used to oppress. They’re even predictable. The patriarchal $powerful know this. They don’t need an education. They already know the hate they spew is outrageously cruel and immoral. They launch strategic cruelty anyway. One thing that gives me hope is more information and ways for well-intentioned cis people to educate ourselves and counter hateful ideologies are available than ever before.
Thank you for the info on Kendi's book. Putting it in my queue right now. So much to learn.
You’re welcome. The onslaught of mean spiritedness and resentment the far right spews is so arrogant and repulsive, I find myself practically moved to tears when someone takes the time to express appreciation like you’ve done here. I wish you well in everything.
He's made Florida absurdly expensive, so he needs a scapegoat.
Yes. And all the money from guns. The Florida fascist and the rest of them use trans issues to create outrage to mask school shootings
Just as long as he does it in a way that can't be reversed or used against trans people should, goddess forbid, a Republican get in the White House. :/
Yeah, "requiring one's gender/sex identifier on compliant state identification to match the gender on one's Federal identification documents" sounds like it could at least complicate the process of getting the marker changed -- and if a future administration tries to block/revert federal gender marker changes, this would force states to do the same. Of course, such an administration could add this rule themselves, but why make it easy for them?
Instead, I'd say that states cannot require any particular gender -- or barring that, that they cannot require a gender that does not match federal documentation.
Remember when Biden started his Presidency? His exact words about GLBTQI+ people were, “I’VE GOT YOUR BACK!”
President Biden, if you were telling the truth back then, then this is the time and situation to prove it. We’re really getting tired of being used by radical right wing politicians to prove why people should not vote for you. It’s time to call their bluff, and do the right thing in the process.
Excellent idea! Hopefully congressional delegations from other states will follow suit, and President Biden will face enormous pressure to take this step.
Hell yeah, called it 😎
There has to be a national Real ID-compliant standard, FL should get a reality check.
The national Real ID law is simple.
Male
Female
Other
At this point I would check other as an unrelenting march of incrementalism towards full acceptance and equality of our human rights.
Obviously, we as Trans people and/or others, need to continue to organize and educate the cis-others to understand and accept Trans people.
I'm a little frustrated with Americans at this point and wonder where have the Dems been all this time? First thought was, "About damn time!" I'm glad they are doing this, but I believe it'll take more States. I also hope they're not doing it just for votes, because they can easily go back to sleep if they get their way and not make this permanent ... in case the GOP get in complete control of this country.