Caitlyn Jenner, formerly known as Bruce Jenner, has received court approval to officially change her name on her birth certificate to reflect a new gender. The 65-year-old "I Am Cait" star filed for a petition to legally alter her records to reflect her new identity in September 15 to the name Caitlyn Marie Jenner. The petition, according to E! Online, was signed as Bruce Jenner.
While Jenner did not appear in court for the process, the judge ruled that is to be granted new birth records. She reportedly sought the assistance of Los Angeles LGBT Center representative Drian Juarez, who told her that the procedure would be arduous but not impossible. In an episode of "I Am Cait," Juarez said that in the past, those who wanted to change their birth certificate's legally would be have undergo gender-confirmation surgery. Now, petitioners only have to clinically appropriate treatment to update their gender markers.
Caitlyn said that the difficult process is what inspired her to push forward, so that others will be inspired. She also revealed in another episode that she intends to have a major party for her name change.
"It's not just for me. Really, it's about all of them," she said, referring to all trans people who underwent the same process but never really had the chance to celebrate.
According to the California Courts official website, individuals have the option to change the name first then the gender later, or change them both at the same time. In addition, while a court order is required to amend a birth certificate for persons who were born outside of California, there is no need for such to change details in the California drivers' license, U.S. passport, or social security card. Persons with California birth records are not required to get a court order for new birth certificates reflecting a change in gender.