Canadian, who identifies as neither a man nor woman, given non-binary birth certificate

TORONTO, ON. (NEWS 1130) – Nearly one year to the day, a filmmaker from Ontario, who identifies as neither a man nor a woman, has been granted a non-binary birth certificate.

“I felt hope in my heart for the time when all of us are valued and respected as human beings. It’s what truly matters,” they wrote as the caption on a photo of them in front of the Human Rights monument.

Joshua M. Ferguson, uses the pronouns “they/them/their.”

In May of 2017, they applied to have the sex designation on their birth certificate changed from male to non-binary — a term used to define someone who doesn’t identify with either gender.

“I am so relieved because I know this policy will change lives. I want trans kids and trans adults to know that you matter. You deserve respect and you deserve to be officially recognized in Canada.”

The filmmaker, who is also a writer and activist and based in Vancouver, had submitted a doctor’s letter with the application to confirm the sex on their now-former birth certificate didn’t match their gender identity. The application process was supposed to take roughly six weeks.

I’ve now received my non-binary birth certificate from Ontario! It’s a victory for me and the community! Service Ontario’s new two-fold policy for birth certificates sets a historic precedent and is now available: https://t.co/sMabJn79Mn pic.twitter.com/KcVb7hlgNL — Joshua M. Ferguson (@joshuamferguson) May 7, 2018

The 36-year-old now lives in Vancouver and previously attended UBC.

This isn’t the first time a case like this has been seen in Canada.

In the summer of 2017, activist Gemma Hickey also applied for a non-binary birth certificate in Newfoundland and Labrador. It was granted in December of last year.