As a self-described woman of trans experience, Belinda Chaplin says she's one of the "lucky ones".

Key points: Changes to acknowledge non-binary and intersex people on birth certificates

Changes to acknowledge non-binary and intersex people on birth certificates Transgender people will not have to undergo reassignment surgery to change their gender

Transgender people will not have to undergo reassignment surgery to change their gender Advocates say it will give transgender people greater control over their bodies

Though she "hardly ever" experiences discrimination, she acknowledges that it's out there.

"Discrimination is something that trans women and trans men experience on a daily basis in getting appropriate services," she said.

"The Northern Territory is not a huge population, so things can be a little polarised.

"You don't choose to be trans, you don't choose a life of societal discrimination and not getting on with your life."

In aligning the Northern Territory with the Federal Marriage Act, Parliament is set to broaden the rights for transgender and gender-neutral people.

The laws, which are likely to be passed through parliament on Thursday, will allow people to identify as non-binary on their birth certificate, acknowledge intersex on birth certificates and allow transgender people to change the sex listed on their birth certificate without them having undergone any gender reassignment surgery.

Instead, they will be asked to have undergone "appropriate medical treatment", which will likely be psychological support — a move that has come under fire by the Feminist Legal Clinic.

Ms Chaplin, who is a nursing lecturer focusing on trans health, said it was a major step forward and would give transgender people greater control over their own bodies.

"To have to show a birth certificate that doesn't match your identity can be very dangerous for people," she said.

"It's really important for a number of health reasons, some people might have pre-existing conditions where surgeons won't want to put them at risk.

"Also, trans men and trans woman are actively pursuing childbirth, so trans people want and need keep their reproductive organs in order to conceive children."

Changes significant for 'sister girls' and 'brother boys'

The Northern Territory's first openly gay Indigenous member of parliament, Chansey Paech, said he was "filled with pride", and believes the changes will have a significant impact.

"As a gay man I understand what it's like to grow up no identifying with a particular community," he said.

Changes under consideration: Removing the requirement to be "unmarried" in order to register a change of sex

Removing the requirement to be "unmarried" in order to register a change of sex Allowing for the registration of a change of sex or gender identity, rather than a change of sex only

Allowing for the registration of a change of sex or gender identity, rather than a change of sex only Allowing a person to register their sex or gender identity as something other than male or female. It will include recognition of intersex persons

Allowing a person to register their sex or gender identity as something other than male or female. It will include recognition of intersex persons Removing the requirement to have undergone sexual reassignment surgery to register a change of sex and replace it with a requirement to have received appropriate clinical treatment

Removing the requirement to have undergone sexual reassignment surgery to register a change of sex and replace it with a requirement to have received appropriate clinical treatment Adding safeguards to applications to register a change of sex for a child

"So hearing from transgender people having an option for them to identify as non-binary is really important for their health and wellbeing.

"I think this sends a strong message to the nation that the Territory is no longer a backyard jurisdiction, it's a very welcoming and open place to live."

Both Ms Chaplin and Mr Paech agree that the laws will be particularly important for those in some of the Northern Territory's most remote areas — specifically, the sister girls and brother boys, Indigenous transgender people who don't have access to sophisticated medical treatment.

"Not all Aboriginal communities have brother boys and sister girls and they are very important part of the Indigenous culture," Ms Chaplin said.

"They get discriminated against for so many other reasons, why do we have to add another thing to the pile?"

Chansey Paech is the first openly gay Indigenous member of the Northern Territory parliament ( ABC News: Mitchell Woolnough )

Mr Paech, who sat on the scrutiny committee overseeing the proposals, said many sister girls and brother boys lived in his electorate, and he understood the challenges.

"They may live in a remote location where they don't have access to particular medical treatment or options to undergo reassignment surgery," he said.

"And some might not want to and that's ok."

