For the "How Government Made Life a Little Easier For People Who Never Get a Break" Files

Trans people are about where gay people were 30 years ago: still stigmatized with an "ick" factor, still often in the closet, still discriminated against, still unacknowledged by family, friends and coworkers.

Good on the Social Security Administration for doing the simply humane thing.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is implementing a policy change to make it easier for the transgender community to update their gender designation in records kept by the agency.
Transgender people can make the modification by submitting government-issued documents reflecting the new gender, or by presenting the SSA with “a medical certification of appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition,” according to the new rules.

Previously, the SSA required documentation of specific surgeries.

"Most people may not see this as a big deal, but transgender people know that this seemingly small technical change will protect their privacy and give them more control over their own lives," said Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality.

Yes, you do too know trans people: open your eyes.