Denmark (first country to legally recognize gender identity)

Denmark was the first country to legally recognize gender identity, meaning individuals could change their legal gender based on their self-identification without requiring surgery or sterilization. This landmark decision, made in 2014, affirmed transgender people's rights by allowing them to update official documents to reflect their gender identity. The process is typically straightforward, emphasizing personal autonomy and self-determination. Denmark’s policy set an important precedent for LGBTQ+ rights worldwide, highlighting the importance of respecting individuals’ self-defined identities and promoting equality in legal recognition.