The U.S. Virgin Islands has become the first American territory to officially recognize transgender and intersex residents through a new executive order allowing gender marker changes on identification documents.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. signed Executive Order No. 543-2025 on October 15, establishing a formal process for Virgin Islanders to update their birth certificates and government IDs to reflect their gender identity.
A Milestone for Trans and Intersex Rights
“This Executive Order provides a fair and compassionate process where none existed before,” Bryan said during the signing. “It ensures that our government recognizes and respects the lived realities of all our residents.”
The order permits adults to request gender marker changes through a written application, while parents or guardians may apply on behalf of minors. Applicants must provide a healthcare provider’s statement verifying an intersex condition or a court order approving the change.
The policy also replaces the term “sex” with “gender” on official documents, aligning the territory with more than two dozen U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia that have implemented similar measures.
A Bold Step After Legislative Stalemate
Last year, Bryan’s proposed bill to codify the same rights stalled in the legislature. Rather than let the effort fade, he enacted the change through executive authority, a move celebrated by LGBTQ+ advocates as both strategic and humane.
The Virgin Islands’ new policy builds on an existing framework of protections. The territory already bans discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation and has no restrictions on gender-affirming healthcare, athletic participation, or public restroom access.
A Rare Moment of Progress
At a time when many U.S. states are advancing legislation targeting transgender people, the Virgin Islands’ action stands out as a beacon of inclusion. Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Iowa, Kansas, and Oklahoma continue to block residents from updating their gender markers on birth certificates, with several extending the ban to state IDs.
Nationwide, more than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have surfaced in the past two years, limiting healthcare, education, and basic freedoms for queer and trans individuals. Against that backdrop, the Virgin Islands’ executive order offers a rare reminder that policy can still move toward liberation.
Recognition That Saves Lives
For trans and intersex people, accurate identification is a matter of safety and self-determination. It can mean avoiding harassment, being able to apply for housing or jobs without scrutiny, and living authentically without explanation.
This moment also honors the persistence of local advocates who pushed for recognition long before the headlines. The policy signals that even small jurisdictions can set powerful examples of compassion and progress.
In a climate where many are legislating against trans existence, the U.S. Virgin Islands has chosen a different path, one rooted in dignity, clarity, and the simple right to be seen.
