News & Commentary written by Amelia Marquez

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Amelia Marquez

Bio

Amelia was born and raised in Yellowstone, Montana and currently resides in Billings. She has known she is a woman for the majority of her adult life. She is now 27 and works at a mental health organization for youth in Billings. She has also served as a foster parent.

Because of Senate Bill 280, she is unable to have an accurate birth certificate. Amelia — like many transgender people in Montana — is currently unable to afford to complete all of the requirements imposed by SB 280.

She is challenging SB 280 because she believes all people in Montana should be able to have an accurate birth certificate. Not having an accurate birth certificate could mean Amelia faces discrimination, harassment and an invasion of privacy on a routine basis.