Why Same-Sex Marriage Will NOT Solve Everything

Okay, this really is not meant to put a damper on the big decision today from the California Supreme Court in The Marriage Cases.

Really, its not.

It was a heavy-duty (albeit 4-3) decision against California’s Prop 22.  And, considering the rumors that had been flying about ominous behind-the-scenes activity, its a bit surprising.  (A more positive, post-decision PHB thread can be found here.)

Now, however, its time for Kat the transsexual lawyer to lose a few more friends and piss off a few more GLB lawyers: Its a damn good thing that California already has a statute recognizing the reality of transsexualism (known colloquially as a transsexual birth certificate statute.)

Why?

Because of all of the uninformed voices I’ve heard over the years spot the following: Once we get same-sex marriage, all that stuff about what sex you are on your drivers license won’t matter.

Uh huh.

Right.

I’m requesting all those who believe that who are non-transsexual females to engage in a lil’ ol’ test to prove how much they really believe it.

Here’s how it goes:

1. Get yourself a driver’s license that has an ‘M’ in place of your ‘F’.
2. Drive around in Massachusetts (and, now, California.)
3. Get yourself pulled over.
4. Then judge for yourself how not-so-insignificant that gender marker is.

Oh…

Too ‘real’ for ya?  Try this one:

1. Get yourself a driver’s license that has an ‘M’ in place of your ‘F’.
2. Go to Massachusetts (or even California, which, unlike Massachusetts, does include Ts in its anti-discrimination laws).
3. Try to find a job.
4. Then judge for yourself how not-so-insignificant that gender marker is.

Still too ‘real’ for ya?  Try this one:

1. Get yourself a driver’s license that has an ‘M’ in place of your ‘F’.
2. Go to Massachusetts.
3. Assume that you have a job waiting for you there.
4. Begin work at that job.
5. Use the ladies’ room.
6. Continue to use the ladies’ room.
7. Then judge for yourself how not-so-insignificant that gender marker is.

Again, I’m really not trying to put a damper on what is truly a very significant day in legal history.

However, I will always caution people to understand that same-sex marriage solves nothing for transsexuals as individual human beings.