Growing and maturing for anyone is difficult. Not identifying with a gender adds another layer of complexity to overcome. When it’s time to get a driver’s license, filling in the gender box can be disconcerting and discouraging.

While all 50 states allow the gender marker to be changed, not all have a third option, the X marker, giving a person a non-binary choice. Other states, with Oregon leading the cause, have given this third option for gender on a driver’s license.

If you define yourself as male or female, giving this freedom of expression to others doesn’t change who you are. It gives others the chance just to be.

As a parent of an LGBTQ child as well as a clergy member, I want to share an understanding of inclusiveness.

The Rev. Keleawe Hee

Downtown Honolulu

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