Across the country, the transgender community is rushing to officially change their name and gender on birth certificates out of fear Republicans taking office could change state laws.
Metro law firms confirmed to 41 Action News that they have seen a spike in calls this week from transgender people looking for guidance making changes to state-issued documents.
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At least two law firms said they are now dealing with five times the amount of open transgender cases following Election Day compared to an average week.
“There's a lot of urgency and people feeling a little panicky,” explained Madeline Johnson, a transgender woman who works as an attorney. “Not knowing what to expect or what's going to happen, it's kind of a scary time for folks."
Johnson explained that many transgender people fear that state governments could overturn rules regarding gender changes on birth certificates, driving licenses, and other state-issued documents.
While President-elect Donald Trump has not taken a hard line approach against transgender people, Johnson said it may be a different story when Republican Governor-elect Eric Greitens takes office and GOP leaders take control of the General Assembly in Missouri.
“Because a birth certificate is a state document, it's really up to the individual states as to whether or not they will allow a birth certificate to be amended or not,” she explained. “That could very easily be overturned by a new legislature that decides if they want to pass a new statute."
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Local lawyers are helping more transgender people navigate through the process of changing documents now.
“Normally, we'll field about one call a week from that community,” explained attorney Alyse Zadalis. “In the first couple days since the election, I think we've seen five calls already."
Zadalis said getting gender changed on official documents can be an important step for a transgender person.
“Folks feel that if they don't have their correct name or the correct gender, they'll be harassed or subject to further questioning," she said.
With much up in the air as leaders get set to take office, Johnson said she expects the transgender community to continue the fight for equality in the years ahead.
“I think we're heading in the right direction eventually, but it's a real concern,” she said. “We're resolved to continue moving forward, filing cases, and to continue to fight the battles in the court system."
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Tom Dempsey can be reached at Tom.Dempsey@KSHB.com.
