Real ID, Real Problems
The emotional residual impact of a new administration
With a single stroke of his pen, Trump restored biological truth to the federal government, sparking a nationwide outcry from the transgender community. Some panicked, scrambling to plan their exits. Others, however, met the news with quiet skepticism. I was definitely the latter.
Despite my mental resilience, small fears began creeping in with each new update. Gender-affirming care for minors was being restricted. State lawmakers introducing bills that legally defined what sex is. Then came the news: passports were arriving in the mail with their assigned gender at birth.
That last one gave me pause.
Instinctively, I gathered all my federal and state documents, checking expiration dates. Everything was still valid except my Certificate of Naturalization, which still bore my birth name and old gender marker. My passport, at least, wouldn’t need renewal for several years.
But my non-driver ID? It expires next year. Normally, that wasn’t cause for alarm, but TSA’s new REAL ID requirement stated that I needed an upgrade by May to fly domestically. I wasn’t too worried — until I read the following information on the website:
A REAL ID is a federally compliant DMV-issued driver license, learner permit, or non-driver ID that will be required to board a domestic flight (within the U.S.) or enter certain federal buildings starting in May 2025, unless you have a valid passport.1
As a frequent flyer, both for work and pleasure, I was worried as I enjoyed having a backup to my passport. In the end, I decided to waste no time. I filled out the online application and booked my DMV appointment.
During my lunch break, I rushed to License Express in Midtown. After checking in, I was called up almost immediately to take a new picture. I wasn’t prepared. The photo that would haunt me for years was taken while I was woefully underdressed. Then, I was told to wait.
After a few minutes, my turn came. The DMV representative had kind eyes that shined with a small but unexpected warmth. As she processed my application, she glanced up and said, “Your photo came out nice.”
She handed me a temporary document. I scanned it quickly and felt relief flood my body. My gender marker was still M.
I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding.
The new administration might try to strip me of my rights, but they can’t erase every victory. And this?
This was a win.
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. "Enhanced or REAL ID." New York State DMV. Accessed February 21st, 2025. https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/enhanced-or-real-id.
Real ID act is a complete waste. It will be extended again because airlines can't have 50% of their seats empty. I refuse to do this.
F everyone and everything that gives you a hassle.