On January 14, 2024, data released by the Justice Ministry in Belgium revealed a notable increase in the number of gender registration changes. A total of 633 individuals in the country

modified their gender registration in population records and civil status documents throughout the previous year. This process is designed for individuals whose self-identified gender differs from the information stated on their birth certificates.

Applicants can declare the necessary changes by approaching a civil status officer in the municipality where they are registered in the population or foreigners' register. The figures for 2023 surpassed those of previous years, with 569 changes reported in 2022 and 513 in 2021. The majority of these changes were initiated by individuals between the ages of 18 and 29, while 52 requests were submitted by those under 18.

Minors aged 16 and above can apply for gender registration changes, provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian and possess a certificate from a child or adolescent psychiatrist. Since January 2018, transgender individuals no longer need to fulfill specific medical criteria to alter their gender and first name in civil status documents and the population register. This marks a significant shift from the previous requirement, which involved a more complex procedure through family court. Photo by Original: User:pschemp, Wikimedia commons.