Transgender youth advocate shares powerful journey to identity
July 25, 2024 | Health, Land, Justice, and Culture , Legislative, Guam, International
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In a poignant testimony during a recent government meeting, a young transgender man shared his journey of legal and medical transition, highlighting the challenges faced by transgender individuals in Guam. At just 18 years old, Dante Corino detailed the financial and emotional hurdles he encountered while navigating the legal system to change his name and sex designation on official documents.
Corino recounted saving approximately $2,200 for legal fees, including $1,300 for attorney services, all while managing the process independently due to a lack of family support. He described the secrecy surrounding his court hearing, which he attended during school hours to avoid parental scrutiny. His name change was finalized on December 11, 2023, marking a significant milestone in his life.
However, Corino faced further obstacles when attempting to update his birth certificate. He was informed that a surgeon's certification was required to change his sex designation, a costly procedure ranging from $20,000 to $35,000, with no local surgeons available on Guam. This requirement starkly contrasts with federal law, which allows transgender individuals to update their sex designation on passports without such documentation.
Corino emphasized the financial strain of these requirements, especially as a college freshman facing tuition costs of $24,000. He expressed frustration over the legal confusion caused by conflicting sex designations on various forms of identification, which can exacerbate mental health challenges for transgender youth. He shared that 41% of LGBTQ youth experience suicidal thoughts, with a significant portion being transgender individuals.
Reflecting on his personal struggles, Corino revealed that the court hearing was a turning point for him, providing a sense of purpose and hope for the future. He credited the support of friends, mentors, and counseling for helping him navigate his mental health challenges.
As he concluded his testimony, Corino called for the passage of Bill 86-37, which aims to respect the identities of transgender individuals in Guam. He expressed his desire to return to the island after college to serve as a teacher, underscoring his commitment to the community that raised him. His heartfelt appeal highlights the urgent need for legislative changes to support the rights and well-being of transgender individuals in Guam.
Corino recounted saving approximately $2,200 for legal fees, including $1,300 for attorney services, all while managing the process independently due to a lack of family support. He described the secrecy surrounding his court hearing, which he attended during school hours to avoid parental scrutiny. His name change was finalized on December 11, 2023, marking a significant milestone in his life.
However, Corino faced further obstacles when attempting to update his birth certificate. He was informed that a surgeon's certification was required to change his sex designation, a costly procedure ranging from $20,000 to $35,000, with no local surgeons available on Guam. This requirement starkly contrasts with federal law, which allows transgender individuals to update their sex designation on passports without such documentation.
Corino emphasized the financial strain of these requirements, especially as a college freshman facing tuition costs of $24,000. He expressed frustration over the legal confusion caused by conflicting sex designations on various forms of identification, which can exacerbate mental health challenges for transgender youth. He shared that 41% of LGBTQ youth experience suicidal thoughts, with a significant portion being transgender individuals.
Reflecting on his personal struggles, Corino revealed that the court hearing was a turning point for him, providing a sense of purpose and hope for the future. He credited the support of friends, mentors, and counseling for helping him navigate his mental health challenges.
As he concluded his testimony, Corino called for the passage of Bill 86-37, which aims to respect the identities of transgender individuals in Guam. He expressed his desire to return to the island after college to serve as a teacher, underscoring his commitment to the community that raised him. His heartfelt appeal highlights the urgent need for legislative changes to support the rights and well-being of transgender individuals in Guam.
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