50 trans teens in Quebec change gender designation since adoption of new bill

Fifty teenagers in the province of Quebec have officially changed their names and gender designations in thefour months since the National Assembly adopted a bill to help transgender minors.

Bill 103, which became lawin June, amended the Civil Code to allow transgender youths aged 14 or over to make their own decisions regarding their identity.

Before the lawwas passed, an individual as young as 14 had the right to change names but had to be at last 18to change gender designation.

• Quebec tables bill to help transgender teens change their name, gender designation

David James Lazure, 14, was one of the teens who changed name and gender.

"It's incredible how much relief it brings," Lazure said.

Lazure was born a girlbut always identified as a boy.

Last May, he spoke publicly about being forced to leave his school in McMasterville. Que., after school officials refused to recognize his gender identity.

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"Being able to have my true identity now, with my gender and name changes, it makes school stress-free. I don't have to fear being called by my former name or being called a girl," Lazure said.

Until he was able to legally change his name, Lazure's birth name was on the class list, meaning teachers would call out thefemale name he was given at birth.

His mother, Odelle Plante, helped push for the legislative changes.

"This recognition makes all the difference. Now, at school, teachers don't make the mistake anymore because his permanent code and name have all been changed," she said.

The federal government has also tabled legislation to guarantee legal and human rights protection for transgender people.

• Trudeau government introduces Bill C-16 to give transgender Canadians equal protections