Gilbert Noam, a trans man from the Czech Republic, didn’t want to have to go through sterilisation to have his gender legally recognised. With the help of transgender rights organisation Trans*parent, he took on the law and achieved something extraordinary.
In the Czech Republic, transgender people must undergo sterilisation, that is, have their reproductive function permanently removed, before their gender identity can be legally recognised. For Gilbert, this requirement went far beyond the personal: it was a violation of his human rights.
“It may seem like minor details, but they can easily add up quickly,” reflects Gilbert. “If I could change my documents without an unwanted medical procedure, I wouldn’t have to stress over every situation that requires showing identification, and I would have a greater sense of privacy and choice about with whom I share such personal information.”
In 2018, Gilbert reached out to Trans*parent, who guided him through the legal process with the assistance of pro bono legal expert Petr Kalla. Together, they ensured his case would eventually be heard by the Czech Constitutional Court. Trans*parent also raised awareness of the injustices facing trans individuals, fostering dialogue among lawmakers, medical professionals, and the public.
In early 2024, following years of legal challenges, the Constitutional Court ruled in Gilbert’s favour, declaring forced sterilisation for gender recognition unconstitutional. The court acknowledged that such a mandate violated human dignity. This landmark ruling set a significant legal precedent, requiring lawmakers to pass a new gender recognition law excluding sterilisation by June 2025.
Victory did not come easily. Alongside coordination of the case and legal assistance, Trans*parent helped Gilbert with psychological support after the ruling, ensuring that Gilbert had a safe, affirming space to navigate any challenges that arose.
Through Gilbert’s case, Trans*parent helped change attitudes and promote a more inclusive legal framework not just for Gilbert, but for all transgender people in the Czech Republic. The ruling represents a significant milestone toward greater protection of trans rights, reinforcing the principles of bodily autonomy and personal freedom that will benefit countless others in the future.
“When I realised about 10 years ago that I did not wish to undergo sterilisation, I hoped that the situation might change,” recalls Gilbert. “That didn’t happen, and in the meantime, more and more countries across Europe started removing this requirement. I wasn’t particularly eager to go to court, but it was a way to contribute to change and live to see it happen.”