The NDP cabinet accepts that it's a nonbinary world in British Columbia.

This is reflected in a decision by Health Minister Adrian Dix, Citizens' Services Minister Jinny Sims, and Attorney General David Eby to allow a third gender option on government-issued identification.

Rather than being defined with an "M" or an "F", British Columbians can choose an "X" as their gender on driver's licences, identity cards, birth certificates, and B.C. services cards.

"We are taking action to move British Columbia into the 21st century when it comes to gender identity," Sims said in a news release. "This is a step in the right direction to ensure that identity documents better reflect identity. It is the right thing to do."

Dix revealed that this work has been underway since last summer "in recognition and respect of people who do not identify as male or female".

The new approach has been endorsed by Trans B.C. project manager Gwen Haworth and Trans Care B.C. medical director Dr. Marria Townsend.

"As a trans individual, I know from personal experience that having identification documents that reflect who I am positively affects my access to education, employment, housing, health care and much more," Haworth said in the news release. "I'm grateful that the province is taking this action and confident that it will benefit many British Columbians and their families."

Townsend said that she's observed how nonbinary people "are invisiblized", which has negative impacts on their health.

"This is a positive step towards recognizing and affirming the humanity of those British Columbians who don't identify as male or female."