100 days of the Self-Determination Act: 263 used it in Dresden

For 100 days, it has been easier to change gender entry and first names in Germany. By January 31, 263 people in Dresden had made use of this option, according to the city. The most common change was from female to male (116 changes). A total of 79 people opted to change their entry from male to female.

The diverse option was chosen by significantly more people who previously had a female (26) than a male (9) entry. It is also possible to switch to an entry without any details. The majority of people previously registered as female also opted for this (25, 8 previously male).

Self-determination law has been in force since November 1

Since November 1, it has been possible to change gender entry and first name without the previously required expert opinions, medical certificates or court orders. A declaration to the registry office is sufficient. The simplifications mainly affect transgender, intersex and non-binary people. The change must be registered at the registry office three months before the date.

Whoever chooses male or female as their gender must choose a matching or ambivalent name. In the case of a diverse or deleted gender, the previous name can be retained, freely chosen or ambivalent.

The Self-Determination Act was passed by the Bundestag in April 2024. It replaced the previous Transsexuals Act. The Federal Constitutional Court had repeatedly declared parts of the previous legal situation unconstitutional and pointed out the humiliating situation for those affected.