
By the Legal Service of the Athens Solidarity Center*
The legal team of Athens Solidarity Center (ASC) of Solidarity Now undertakes cases of legal gender recognition both for legal consultation and legal representation in before the Greek courts.
But what is the legal gender recognition?
The Legal Service of the Athens Solidarity Center responds by providing basic definitions and information, in an effort to clarify frequently asked questions regarding the legal side of the issue, in order to be understood by everyone and especially by the people who want to ask for support.
Gender identity
Gender identity refers to each person’s deeply felt internal and individual experience of gender, which may or may not correspond with the sex assigned at birth, including the personal sense of the body and other expressions of gender, including dress, speech, and mannerisms (Yogyakarta Principles).
Legal Gender Recognition
Legal Gender Recognition is the official recognition of a person’s gender identity, including gender marker and name in public registries and key documents. Identification documents such as a passport, ID-card, social security number or bank card reflecting your genuine self are elementary for everyone, otherwise basic transactions and participation in society become very difficult. For many trans people, the gendered information in these documents, including name, gender, or a gendered digital code, is a constant source of discomfort and trouble. Whenever having to show ID, presenting these documents means having to come out as transgender, even in very inappropriate situations, which can spark humiliation, discrimination and even suspicion of using falsified documents. Thus, Gender Recognition goes beyond being an administrative act: it is essential for many trans people to be able to participate in society and live a life of dignity and respect.
Legislation in Greece
Under the Greek law on the change of gender identity, any citizen older than the age of 15, may self-identify as male or female, regardless of the gender assigned to them at birth, without surgery or medical examination. Previously gender could only be changed in cases where gender dysphoria was diagnosed, and reproductive organs removed. Today, it is a matter of self-identification.
The Legal Service is provided free of charge, as are the other services of the Athens Solidarity Center.
* Since May 2019, the Athens Solidarity Center is financed by EEA and Norway Grants, with HumanRights360 and CROWE Greece as the fund operator. The Center is also supported by the Municipality of Athens.