Gender-identity activist celebrates non-binary option
ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — From early childhood, Gemma Hickey rebelled against wearing dresses and never felt female.
It was a sensation of not belonging that Hickey wants to spare other kids — starting with their birth certificates. Hickey describes as a “big victory” what happened Friday in a St. John’s courtroom that could go a long way to ease stigmas and increase acceptance for those who linger between genders.
Hickey’s legal challenge of the province’s Vital Statistics Act, which allows birth certificates only to have male or female sex designations, was delayed at provincial Supreme Court in St. John’s while the province enshrines another option. Newfoundland and Labrador’s Liberal government said Thursday it will bring in legislation this fall allowing for a change of sex designation to non-binary.
Hickey hopes other provinces will follow suit — only the Northwest Territories now allows gender-neutral birth certificates. “It’s a proud day for Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Hickey, who turns 41 on Oct. 1.“
Hickey was also celebrating the debut of the documentary Just be Gemma airing tonight on local CBC television (Newfoundland and Labrador). It will be available for viewing online as part of CBC’s Absolutely documentary series.
Produced by Nine Island Communications, it traces Hickey’s physical transition from female to non-binary — neither male nor female — beginning in 2015. The journey starts with testosterone shots before surgery to remove the breasts Hickey says never felt right.
Hickey talks in the documentary about wanting to be called “they” rather than he or she.
“It’s pretty amazing to see life from both sides, so why do I have to pick one?”
It’s an awkward transition for Hickey’s mother, Lynda Hayward. She still refers at times in the film to her “daughter,” but accompanies Hickey to Ontario for plastic surgery and is often seen offering support and love.
Hickey’s maternal grandmother inspired the documentary’s title. “I may not want to be a girl or a boy,” Hickey recalls telling her. “Just be Gemma,” was the grandmother’s response. “That’s all any of us wants.”
Under the province’s proposed changes to the Vital Statistics Act, sex information will still be collected at birth, but people 12 and older will be able to choose an “X” on their birth certificate. Children age 12 to 15 will still require a parent to apply on their behalf, with the child’s consent required.
The government also said it will remove the requirement for a statement from a medical professional prior to a sex-designation change for those 16 and older.