Earlier this month, I submitted testimony to the New York City Council Health Committee, chaired by Council Member Corey Johnson, in support of two bills under consideration. Under the legislation, those who wish to amend the gender markers on their birth certificates will simply be required to provide certification from licensed health or mental health professionals that the applicant’s sex designation on their birth certificate does not align with the applicant’s affirmed sex or gender identity. The proposed legislation being discussed will alleviate an arbitrary, costly and intrusive burden on transgender New Yorkers and I commend Council Member Johnson and the NYC Health Department for their leadership in this regard.