A Vancouver filmmaker and writer has received Ontario’s first non-binary birth certificate.
Ontario-born Joshua M. Ferguson identifies as non-binary trans and uses the pronouns “they†and “them.â€
The birth certificate is marked with an “X†designation, indicating a non-binary person. Ferguson applied to Service Ontario for the document in 2017, and filed a human rights claim when it was not initially granted.
The province issued last year.
“Ontario’s new policy will save lives in the trans community,†Ferguson wrote in a statement on Monday. “A birth certificate is the most vital form of ID for personhood. Being officially counted and recognized is empowering.â€
Ontario says it is the first jurisdiction in the world to implement a two-fold policy, allowing the selection of either male, female or non-binary, and allowing the option of not displaying such identification on a birth certificate.
Ferguson has also fought for an . They were also among the first to have their application for an .
Ferguson called the Ontario birth certificate a “victory,†both personally and for all trans Canadians.
“This policy makes it clear that non-binary people exist,†they said. “We are Ontarians and Canadian citizens.â€