Colombia’s shift on gender identity: official documents now recognise ‘trans’ and ‘non-binary’
Colombia has taken a historic step in recognising gender diversity: citizens can now mark “trans” or “non-binary” in the “sex” field on official identity documents, including national ID cards, civil registries and identity cards.
The decision was announced by the Registraduría Nacional del Estado Civil, which said the change would apply across its more than 1,200 offices nationwide a move described as “a key step to guarantee the right to identification for people with diverse gender identities.”
The reform follows a ruling by the Corte Constitucional de Colombia, which demanded that the registry adapt its systems to allow gender markers beyond the traditional “male/female” binary. Implementation involved extensive technical adjustments, updating databases, printing systems and digital ID frameworks, to ensure that both physical and digital documents reflect the new options: “NB” for non-binary and “T” for trans.
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, this legal recognition goes beyond paperwork. It represents official validation of identities historically invisibilised by the state. According to advocates, having identity documents that reflect one’s self-perception is fundamental to accessing other civil rights, from employment and healthcare to political participation.
This reform also places Colombia among a growing list of countries seeking to modernise the concept of gender in state administration. By decoupling legal identity from rigid binary norms, the country signals a shift towards more inclusive policies a change that could set a precedent for other nations navigating the complexities of gender, identity and rights in a globalised world.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
