At 10 years old, Susan Howard knew she was a girl, even though her birth certificate said otherwise. It wasn’t until last year, at age 62, that the Montana resident came to terms with being transgender.
Howard underwent hormone therapy, had gender-affirming surgery, and began changing her name and gender on official documents. “It has been a godsend for me,” Howard said. “I feel so right and at ease with myself for the first time in so many ways.”
She has been able to change her Social Security card, driver’s license, and pension accounts. But she has not been able to alter one crucial piece of personal identification. “Everything’s been changed except my birth certificate,” Howard said. “That’s the only thing hanging up. Everybody else has acknowledged my gender, but they will not do it.”
