Transgendered Folks Encountering Document/Database ID Hassles

An anonymous reader writes "Most of us hear the equivalent of 'let me bring up your record' several times a week or month when dealing with businesses and government agencies; sometimes there's a problem, but clerks are accustomed to dealing with changes in street address, phone numbers, company affiliation, and even personal names (after marriage). But what about gender? Transgendered folks are encountering embarrassing moments when they have to explain that their gender has changed from 'M' to 'F' or vice versa. While there are many issues involved in discrimination against transgendered individuals, I have to confess that the first thing that came to my mind was the impact on database design and maintenance."

Comments

Re:Do not understand this.

[Brett Buck]

If you don't want that, then don't turn yourself into a circus attraction. These people are mentally disturbed. Not only are we not getting them the assistance they need, we are absolutely encouraging them to mutilate themselves based on their delusions, and trying to force everyone else to think it's a genetic imperative and indulge them in every way possible.

Re::3

[KGIII]

I'm aware of this. Others/some/all even force you to go a year (I think it is a year) living as the opposite gender before you can get the surgery. That doesn't change my view though. It seems drastic, to me, to go through gender reassignment to overcome a mental health issue BUT, as I clearly stated, I'm not in a position where it impacts me thus I'm not sure my ethics apply to the situation at all. I understand that there is a lot of social stigma surrounding this but lashing out at me is futile and I'm on your side. I can understand the instinct to lash out but make sure you read and understand what I write before doing so - I mean no harm and only want equal rights for you, your fellow transgendered folk, and everybody else. I'm a strong supporter and advocate for equality and individual freedom.

Re:WTF

[DigiShaman]

That's right you database developers you. Take that! And while you're at it, make our race field selectable too. While we (or most of us anyways) are Human, we might have intelligent extraterrestrial visitors soon. Plan ahead!