Bill Allowing Virgin Islanders to Change Gender Designation Held by Senate Committee

A measure that would let Virgin Islanders change their gender designation and name on government-issued identifying documents through a V.I. Superior Court order was held in its committee of origin on Tuesday.

Imani Evans, president of St. Croix Pride, testified at the Committee of Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety hearing in support of amendments to the proposed measure. On Tuesday afternoon, she told The Source she was disappointed but “a little unsurprised” by the outcome. “It’s not over yet. We’re going to be working, hopefully, with the Department of Health on figuring out the steps forward,” she said. “But other than that, we were just grateful to even have this chance to have this conversation and bring it to the Legislature.”

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. announced the measure during a Government House briefing in June. Bryan said at the time that it’s his administration’s position that gender is a legal designation, and there should be a legal pathway for Virgin Islanders to align identifying documents with their gender identity. The measure was submitted in collaboration with the V.I. Health Department and Assistant Health Commissioner Nicole Craigwell-Syms said during prepared testimony that the legislation, Bill No. 35-0395, would support health equity, inclusivity, and the fundamental rights of all individuals by addressing a gap in the recognition — and affirmation — of gender identities.