On It’s Birthday, Mayor de Blasio And First Lady McCray Announcement IDNYC Adds Third Gender Designation

Today, Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray announced that transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming New Yorkers can now affirmatively select a gender identity that more closely reflects to how they identify or express their gender on their IDNYC.

Since its launch in 2015, the IDNYC program has always let cardholders to self-designate their gender or choose not declare a gender. Current cardholders who want to change the gender designation on their IDNYC can do so at no cost.

IDNYC is also announcing today a number of new benefit partners, including the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art, and a new financial institution partner, People’s United Bank. In addition, building upon previous work with NYC Health + Hospitals, cardholders can now link their IDNYC cards with their hospital/clinic registration records at all NYC Health + Hospitals facilities. Now in its fifth year, IDNYC is the largest and most successful municipal ID program in the country with over 1.25 million cardholders.

“In the fairest big city in America, we have a mandate to further our commitment to justice and access for all transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming New Yorkers,” said Mayor de Blasio. “With an IDNYC, more of our neighbors will be able to get the services they need, and take advantage of exclusive benefits and discounts to some of our City’s most iconic landmarks and institutions. We are sending a clear message that all New Yorkers, of all gender identities and expressions, belong and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.”

“Giving people the opportunity to indicate their gender expression is inclusive, affirming and the right thing to do.” said First Lady Chirlane McCray. “All New Yorkers should be valued and respected in their interactions with government. Dignity is central to the efforts of IDNYC.”

“It is great to see that the IDNYC card program in its fourth year will expand its benefits and will be more inclusive by adding the third gender category so every New Yorker can reflect their true selves,” said Council Speaker Corey Johnson. “In today’s climate, this program is more important than ever and the Council is committed to its success.”

“Transgender, gender non-conforming and gender non-binary New Yorkers are our neighbors and our coworkers and they should feel safe and validated in their interactions with local government,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives Phillip Thompson. “IDNYC is the key to the City, the one card that shows everyone that you are a New Yorker and one of the key programs of the de Blasio Administration to making sure every single community that calls our city home has equal access to benefits and services. I look forward to continue to work with this program to expand access to opportunities for vulnerable communities across the city.”

The third gender option builds upon both IDNYC’s proud legacy of inclusion and the City’s reaffirmation of the rights of transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming New Yorkers. Under the leadership of the Mayor and the City Council, New York City has joined progressive cities and states across the country—including California, Oregon, Washington State, and Washington, D.C.—in including a third gender option for official government documents. As of January 1, transgender and non-binary New Yorkers can amend their birth certificates to request and alternative option. From the start, IDNYC applicants and cardholders could choose to self-designate their gender as male or female, or to opt not to designate any gender, recognizing some New Yorker’s wish to not indicate their gender on their ID, their right not to identify with binary gender options. Following NYC law, applicants are not required to submit proof of gender identity when selecting, changing, or removing a gender designation. Now, IDNYC applicants and cardholders can affirmatively choose a third gender option, denoted as “X,” for their official municipal identification card.

Beginning in 2015, IDNYC partnered with NYC Health + Hospitals to serve as a registration card, helping improve patients’ experience with our public hospital system. Patients could link their IDNYC card number to their Health + Hospitals registration record to speed new patient registration and expedite the check-in process for medical visits; nearly 5,000 cardholders have taken advantage of this benefit already. Initially rolled out at NYC Health + Hospitals/Coney Island, as of the end of 2018 IDNYC numbers can be incorporated within the patient’s record at over 70 NYC Health + Hospitals locations—including hospitals, community health centers, and long-term care facilities—making it easy to access those records using the IDNYC number. This integration is just one example of how IDNYC helps New Yorkers access services and realize better outcomes.

IDNYC comes into 2019 with many new benefit partners. Cardholders can receive a 1-year free membership at 40 excellent cultural institutions across the five boroughs – including at Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art, IDNYC’s newest cultural institution partner.

IDNYC is also pleased to announce People’s United Bank as the newest financial institution partner. Alongside over a dozen other financial institutional partners, cardholders are now able to use their IDNYC card as primary ID to open a bank account with People’s United Bank, in addition to other required documentation. With 12 branches across the City, this partnership provides cardholders with greater access to financial services. This addition is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to increase financial access for all New Yorkers, particularly the unbanked and underbanked.

In addition, New Yorkers can use their IDNYC to obtain a variety of great discounts in health, entertainment and more. Below are IDNYC’s newest benefit partners:

• Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge: 25% off rock climbing classes, including introductory and kids’ classes;
• Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance (BAAD!): $5 discount on all BAAD! events and performances;
• National Geographic Encounter: 25% on Daily Dive Time Reserved Entry tickets, plus 15% in the Encounter retail shop; and
• TADA! Youth Theatre: 10% discount on all TADA! programming.

All city residents age 10 and above are eligible to apply for a municipal ID card, and enrollment is free for anyone who applies in 2019. All IDNYC applicants must demonstrate their identity and residency in New York City. The City will protect the confidentiality of all IDNYC card applications to the fullest extent of the law and will not ask applicants about their immigration status. For information on eligibility criteria, benefits, enrollment centers across the five boroughs, and more, applicants can visit NYC.gov/IDNYC or call 311.

For a full list of information on IDNYC benefits and effective dates for new discounts, please visit NYC.gov/IDNYC/benefits.

A full list of IDNYC cultural institutional partners includes:

• American Museum of Natural History
• BRIC
• Bronx County Historical Society
• Bronx Museum of the Arts
• BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music)
• Brooklyn Children’s Museum
• Carnegie Hall
• China Institute
• The Drawing Center
• Film Forum
• Flushing Town Hall
• International Print Center New York
• Jacques Marchais Center for Tibetan Art
• King Manor
• Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art
• Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
• Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Metropolitan Opera
• Museum at Eldridge Street
• Museum of Chinese in America
• Museum of Jewish Heritage
• Museum of Modern Art
• Museum of the City of New York
• New York Botanical Garden
• New York City Ballet
• New York City Center
• MoMA PS1
• Park Avenue Armory
• Pregones Theater
• The Public Theater
• Queens Museum
• Queens Theatre
• SculptureCenter
• Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
• St. George Theatre
• Staten Island Museum
• Studio Museum in Harlem*
• Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling*
• Symphony Space
• Wildlife Conservation Society at the Bronx Zoo
• Central Park Zoo (enrollment required at the Bronx Zoo)
• New York Aquarium (enrollment required at the Bronx Zoo)
• Prospect Park Zoo (enrollment required at the Bronx Zoo)

* Institutional partners in Harlem.

“Every single New Yorker deserves to feel safe, and to be seen and respected,” said Bitta Mostofi, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. “We are proud that at the start of 2019, IDNYC now offers a gender option that acknowledges the gender spectrum and expands options for our transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming neighbors – at no cost or hassle. IDNYC is the key to the city for all New Yorkers, regardless of gender identity or immigration status.”

“New York City is once again taking a step forward to be a more inclusive city by including an additional gender designation for IDNYC,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks. “For transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming New Yorkers having a document that is consistent with their gender identity is not only a matter of semantics, it represents self-determination and safety from discrimination and harassment.”

“This change demonstrates a clear commitment by this Administration to supporting and affirming trans and gender non-binary New Yorkers,” said Ashe McGovern, NYC Unity Project Director. “Our communities experience widespread discrimination in housing, employment, healthcare and beyond, often as a result of, or compounded by, mismatched identity documents. Creating easier access to identity documents that more accurately reflect who we are is a vital component in ensuring that our communities can more freely navigate society.”

“The NYC Human Rights Law has some of the strongest protections against discrimination on the basis of being transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming in the country. The Commission on Human Rights works aggressively to ensure that all New Yorkers identities are affirmed and supported. The new gender designation on IDNYC allows New Yorkers to have an official ID that matches their gender identity – a crucial step toward equality in all of those critical moments where an ID is required,” said Carmelyn P. Malalis, Commissioner and Chair, NYC Commissioner on Human Rights.

“The IDNYC card is a great identification option popular with thousands of our patients,” said Mitchell Katz, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals. “We’re pleased that the link between patient records and IDNYC cards is now seamlessly helping patients at over 70 of our health care locations.”

“Since the very beginning of IDNYC, the card has been a key for opening doors to cultural institutions across the City,” said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl. “More 600,000 cultural memberships have been redeemed using IDNYC, showing just how fully New Yorkers have embraced this opportunity. We’re thrilled to have another incredible group of cultural partners at the start of IDNYC’s fifth year, and we welcome Leslie-Lohman Museum to the group, especially as we honor the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising this year.”

“DCA is committed to expanding access to financial resources that help our communities thrive,” said DCA Commissioner Lorelei Salas. “To date, IDNYC has helped thousands of New Yorkers open bank accounts and enjoy benefits that come along with the card. As IDNYC grows each year, we look forward to more New Yorkers accessing safe and affordable financial products as well as increasing access to New York City’s Financial Empowerment Centers and free tax preparation services.”

“I’m glad that IDNYC is taking this step to allow transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming New Yorkers to affirmatively select a gender identity that more closely aligns to their sense of self,” said Rep. Carolyn Maloney. “All New Yorkers should be able to get an ID that reflects who they are.”

“Hundreds of thousands of Queens residents have applied for an IDNYC card since the program’s launch,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. “By recognizing transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming residents, as well as offering additional new benefits for IDNYC cardholders, we can make world-class attractions across Queens and the city more accessible to thousands more.”

“I’m delighted by the policy update inserting a third gender option for IDNYC applicants and cardholders. This change will create an atmosphere of inclusivity and validation for many New York City residents who will now be able to have official documentation that reflects how they identify in terms of gender,” said Assembly Member Deborah J. Glick. “In addition, individuals who are gender-nonconforming, non-binary and transgender will be more visible than ever by their government and their fellow city residents as a result of this change. I applaud the de Blasio Administration for taking this initiative.”

“It’s welcome news that the IDCNYC program will now enable cardholders to have their gender identification accurately reflect their identity, reaffirming our city’s reputation for tolerance, inclusivity, and diversity,” said Assembly Member Richard N. Gottfried. “I am also pleased that additional cultural institutions in the 75th Assembly District like the Tada! Youth Theater and National Geographic Encounter Ocean Odyssey are becoming new IDNYC benefit partners.”

“The IDNYC was created for one simple reason – to ensure every New Yorker is connected to the City they call home, with universal access to critical services and programs. Building on that promise, IDNYC is now more inclusive than ever. Everyone, regardless of their gender identity, can now feel safe and validated in their interactions with City government. And everyone, regardless of their health coverage, can now use their IDNYC to expedite access to the City’s hospital system. The spate of new cultural and financial institutions added this year are icing on the cake. Happy fourth birthday to one of the greatest initiatives New York City has undertaken,” said Council Member Carlos Menchaca, Chair of the Committee on Immigration.

“This expansion makes IDNYC an invaluable asset for an even greater number of people,” said Council Member Daniel Dromm, Chair of the Committee on Finance. “All New Yorkers should be free to live theirs truths, which is why I am thrilled that transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming residents now have the option to identify as a third gender on their cards. And thanks to IDNYC’s newest benefit partners, the card offers access to free memberships and discounts to several additional cultural institutions this year. As the prime sponsor of the legislation that created IDNYC, I applaud the de Blasio administration for expanding this important initiative year after year. I will continue to work with them to build upon this progress.”

“The expansion of IDNYC’s benefits continue to make it one of the most important forms of identification a New Yorker can have. These benefits will be especially important to gender non-conforming people and the underbanked who need access to a bank,” said Council Member Ritchie Torres.

“Adding a third gender category on IDNYC is exemplarily of New York City’s inclusivity. These cards offer direct access to all of New York City’s culture and resources, to all of our residents. I commend MOIA for this update,” said Council Member Keith Powers.

“Under Mayor de Blasio’s leadership, New York City continues to stand up nationwide as a leader for transgender, gender nonconforming and nonbinary (TGNCNB) rights,” said Shijuade Kadree, Chief Advocacy Officer at NYC’s LGBT Community Center. “By allowing New Yorkers the ability to self-designate a third nonbinary gender option on IDNYC, New York City sends a strong message to the nation that it welcomes, affirms and will protect the rights of TGNCNB people.”

“Allowing gender nonconforming and non-binary New Yorkers mark X on their birth certificates is an important step in protecting and ending violence against them. When nonbinary people are forced to identify as either man or woman, it is dehumanizing and harmful towards them. It’s important to allow individuals to self-identify their sexual orientations and gender identities as neither are binary. Gender is expansive and the X marker on the birth certificate recognizes that,” said Eliel Cruz, Spokesperson, New York City Anti-Violence Project.

“Having the option to choose a third gender on the IDNYC allows for the trans and gender non-conforming community to have a crucial piece of identification that can correctly affirm their gender identity,” said Christina Herrera, Executive Director, Translatinx Network. “As always, NYC is leading in addressing the needs of its residents and serving as a role model to the rest of the country.”

“The initiative gives us a hope that all our queer immigrants who identify as gender-nonconforming, non-binary, transgender, and intersex etc., finally are embraced, welcomed and protected from discrimination and mistreatment they endured in their home countries,” Lyosha Gorshkov, Co-President, RUSA LGBT. “This update to IDNYC is crucial for our people to begin accepting themselves and fulfill their dreams to be free.”

“We are proud that New York City is taking this action to recognize TGNCIQ communities. The addition of Gender X to IDNYC, allows for individuals to decide their gender identity or to not declare a gender,” said Bianey Garcia, TRIP (Trans Immigrant Project) Organizer at Make the Road New York. “With this step forward, we will continue to work to end the criminalization of transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming New Yorkers. We will continue to affirm our existence and fight for the respect and dignity we deserve.”

“It’s exciting that New Yorkers can now have an ID that reflects their authentic gender. We hope more cities and states follow NYC’s lead,” said Nick Adams, Director of Transgender Media & Representation at GLAAD.

“People’s United Bank is thrilled to partner with IDNYC and deliver access to our suite of tailored products, technology and expert bankers to a greater number of New York City residents,” said Tony Petrazzuoli, Senior Vice President, People’s United Bank. “At the very core of our mission is to enhance the financial health and quality of life for the communities where we live and work, which is what our partnership with IDNYC is all about.”

“We are very excited to join the IDNYC program. With the 50th anniversary of Leslie-Lohman Museum and The Stonewall Uprising, 2019 is a momentous year for LGBTQ arts and culture,” said Gonzalo Casals, Executive Director of the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art. “Joining IDNYC program will help make sure New Yorkers from all walks of life have access to this important part of NYC history and the contributions of the LGBTQ community to our city.”

“The Metropolitan Museum of Art is happy to participate in IDNYC for the fifth year in a row, as we continue our mission to provide access to over 5,000 years of art from around the world for all of our visitors—especially New Yorkers—to experience and enjoy,” said Daniel H. Weiss, President and CEO of The Met. “The Museum’s diverse collection represents cultures across the globe, and reflects this great city and its citizens. We welcome New Yorkers and all who visit to make The Met their own, and to connect with their heritage and each another.”

“The Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust is delighted to partner with IDNYC to make cultural resources available to all New Yorkers,” said Michael S. Glickman, President & CEO of the Museum of Jewish Heritage. “As one of the city’s history museums, we provide a venue where New Yorkers can learn from the past to envision the world they want today and for future generations.”

“China Institute is proud to be a part of IDNYC and welcomes the New York City community to our China Institute Gallery,” said Michael Liu, Associate Director of Membership at China Institute. “As a hub of Chinese arts and culture, our doors are always open for card-carrying IDNYC members and we hope they take advantage of all of the opportunities membership affords.”

“The IDNYC program has provided a range of opportunities for new audiences to sample BAM programming and events,” said BAM President Katy Clark. “It’s a welcoming and inclusive cultural initiative and we’re proud to be a longstanding partner.”

“The IDNYC program is our great city at its best, ensuring access to educational and cultural opportunities to all New Yorkers,” said John Calvelli, Executive Vice President for Public Affairs for the Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo and Central Park Zoo. “We are proud to include access to all five of our parks, along with discounts on concessions, retail items and educational programs to all IDNYC cardholders.”

“BAAD! is proud to be an IDNYC partner, making the arts more accessible to more New Yorkers and especially our community right here in the BX,” said Charles Rice-Gonzalez, Executive Director of BAAD!.

“Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge is stoked to partner with IDNYC to provide New York City residents with unconventional experiences that engage imagination, passion and physical potential,” said Nicole Touzien, General Manager of Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge. “With quality climbing, fitness, co-working and community events, Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge inspires New York City residents in their pursuit of Becoming Superhuman Together.”

“TADA! Youth Theater is thrilled to partner with IDNYC in an effort to bring original musical theater shows and arts education programming to as many New York families as possible,” said Rod Christensen, Executive Director of TADA! Youth Theater. “TADA!’s mission is to provide young New Yorkers from all backgrounds with high-quality work to inspire them to be creative, to learn and think differently, to enhance their self-confidence, and to develop the skills needed for their success both in school as well as in life.”

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with IDNYC and to continue welcoming the New York community to our beautiful blue world in Times Square,” said Lisa Truitt, Co-Managing Partner of National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey. “Since we live on an island in Manhattan, it’s been especially meaningful to see our guests of all ages fall in love with the ocean while enjoying the surprises and fun of the Encounter adventure.”

“The New York Road Runners is excited to continue our partnership with IDNYC,” said Michael Capiraso, president and CEO of New York Road Runners. “Through this collaboration, NYRR provides an opportunity for New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds to experience our world-class races and community events throughout the five boroughs as well as supporting communities as they build healthy lifestyles through running.”

“Barclays Center is thrilled to continue our partnership with IDNYC in order to provide access to world-class entertainment to New York City residents,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of BSE Global. “Our mission is to create memorable experiences through our state-of-the-art venue and professional sports franchises, and we are committed to working with IDNYC to extend our offerings for New Yorkers at an affordable cost.”

“We’re pleased to once again partner with IDNYC and offer discounted one-year Zipcar memberships to all cardholders,” said Stephanie Aboulafia, Zipcar regional community marketing manager. “Now, more New Yorkers can ditch their personal cars and instead using car sharing, freeing up time, money, and the hassle of finding parking in the city.”

“Affordability for families has been central to the mission of The New Victory since its inception in 1995,” said Cora Cahan, President of The New 42nd Street and The New Victory Theater. “By partnering with IDNYC, we’re able to make tickets even more accessible to all New Yorkers. You can buy tickets to the New Vic for the whole family for the cost of one ticket to a Broadway show!”

“CourseHorse is exceptionally proud to be a part of IDNYC, and looks forward to helping connect more New York City residents with hands on, local learning opportunities,” said Katie Kapler, CourseHorse CEO and Co-Founder. “By making it easier to find and book New York City’s best classes, tastings, tours and lectures, we hope to help New Yorkers explore the incredible culture of learning this city breeds, engage their curiosities, and achieve their greatest aspirations.”

“We are delighted and proud to partner with IDNYC for the second year in a row. Entertainment Cruises thrives off creating unforgettable memories for our guests, and with this partnership with IDNYC we encourage New Yorkers to experience their city in a new light,” said Paul Owen, Director of Sales at Entertainment Cruises. “Our unique space and impeccable service paired with unobstructed views of the iconic skyline allows our guests to escape everyday stresses, and appreciate the city they call home.”

“Aviator Sports and Events Center offers a wide arrange of public activities, classes, clinics, leagues and events for New Yorkers of all ages and in all five boroughs,” said Dean Rivera, COO of Aviator Sports & Events Center. “Aviator Sports and Events Center is ecstatic to continue supporting the IDNYC program by opening our facility to all the residents of New York City.”

“The Alliance of Resident Theatres is thrilled to continue partnering with IDNYC on offering discounts to the many plays offered by our member companies,” said Virginia P. Louloudes, Executive Director of A.R.T./New York.

“We are excited to continue partnering with IDNYC,” said David Brown, Vice President of Marketing for Member Deals. “With Member Deals, we have created a platform where you can access special offers on attractions, shows, theme parks and sporting events, locally and nationwide.”

“KidPass is excited to expand its partnership with IDNYC, and to offer its families and younger members discounted access to thousands of activities all over NYC.” said Solomon Liou, Founder and CEO of KidPass. “As NYC’s #1 kids activity booking site, our mission is to empower parents to discover and book meaningful experiences for their children. KidPass and IDNYC’s shared values of community and inclusion makes our partnership a perfect fit, and we are thrilled to empower local families to experience everything our amazing city has to offer.”

“Citi Bike is the largest and most popular bike share network in the country, with more than 140,000 annual members across the Big Apple,” said Kris Sandor, General Manager of Citi Bike. “Thanks to our continued partnership with IDNYC, we’ve made it easier for even more New Yorkers to join and get pedaling, and we are excited to continue this 15% off offer in 2019. With more than 750 stations and 12,000 bikes across New York, along with a massive expansion in the coming five years, Citi Bike is one of the best ways to really be a part of the City — just like IDNYC.”