Entry #11847: Legal recognition of non-binary gender in Brazil

Current Version

Region	Brazil
Issue	Legal recognition of non-binary gender
Status	Varies by Region
Start Date	Sep 23, 2020
End Date	(none)
Description	Intersex children have to be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate, as per the National Justice Council ruling. This means that Brazil at least recognizes intersex people federally since September 11, 2021. However, in some states, non-binary people can legally identify as such; this was first provided in Rio de Janeiro on September 23rd, 2020. In May of 2025, the Supreme Court of Justice in Brasilia granted a non-binary person official documents with gender-neutral markers. However, this ruling only applies to that specific case and does not require Brazil to provide a third gender option on official documentation at a federal level otherwise.
Sources	https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/05/brazil-court-grants-gender-neutral-id-in-historic-victory/ https://www.cnj.jus.br/novas-regras-permitem-registrar-criancas-com-o-sexo-ignorado-na-dnv/ https://defensoria.rj.def.br/noticia/detalhes/13973-Genero-nao-binarie-e-incluido-em-certidoes-de-nascimento https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/radioagencia-nacional/direitos-humanos/audio/2020-09/justica-do-rj-reconhece-direito-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-mudar-documentos https://www.jota.info/justica/nao-binario-documento-tjsp-01112021 https://g1.globo.com/pi/piaui/noticia/2021/07/23/pela-primeira-vez-justica-piauiense-concede-registro-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-a-jovem.ghtml

Revision History (14)

4 days ago

edited by Unknownmiles. Fixing grammar.

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value (Current)
Description	Intersex children have to be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate, has per the National Justice Council ruling. This means that Brazil at least recognizes intersex people federally since September 11, 2021. However in some states, non-binary people can also have the same registration, first provided in Rio de Janeiro on September 23rd, 2020. In May of 2025, the Supreme Court of Justice in Brasilia granted a non-binary person official documents with gender-neutral markers. However, this ruling only applies to that specific case and does not require Brazil to provide a third gender option on official documentation otherwise.	Intersex children have to be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate, as per the National Justice Council ruling. This means that Brazil at least recognizes intersex people federally since September 11, 2021. However, in some states, non-binary people can legally identify as such; this was first provided in Rio de Janeiro on September 23rd, 2020. In May of 2025, the Supreme Court of Justice in Brasilia granted a non-binary person official documents with gender-neutral markers. However, this ruling only applies to that specific case and does not require Brazil to provide a third gender option on official documentation at a federal level otherwise.
Description	Show Difference Intersex children have to be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate, has per the National Justice Council ruling. This means that Brazil at least recognizes intersex people federally since September 11, 2021. However in some states, non-binary people can also have the same registration, first provided in Rio de Janeiro on September 23rd, 2020. In May of 2025, the Supreme Court of Justice in Brasilia granted a non-binary person official documents with gender-neutral markers. However, this ruling only applies to that specific case and does not require Brazil to provide a third gender option on official documentation otherwise. as per the National Justice Council ruling. This means that Brazil at least recognizes intersex people federally since September 11, 2021. However, in some states, non-binary people can legally identify as such; this was first provided in Rio de Janeiro on September 23rd, 2020. In May of 2025, the Supreme Court of Justice in Brasilia granted a non-binary person official documents with gender-neutral markers. However, this ruling only applies to that specific case and does not require Brazil to provide a third gender option on official documentation at a federal level otherwise.

May 11, 2025

edited by Unknownmiles. Fixing end date and adding info

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
End Date	May 8, 2025	(none)
Description	Intersex children have to be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate, has per the National Justice Council ruling. This means that Brazil at least recognizes intersex people federally since September 11, 2021. However in some states, non-binary people can also have the same registration, first provided in Rio de Janeiro on September 23rd, 2020.	Intersex children have to be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate, has per the National Justice Council ruling. This means that Brazil at least recognizes intersex people federally since September 11, 2021. However in some states, non-binary people can also have the same registration, first provided in Rio de Janeiro on September 23rd, 2020. In May of 2025, the Supreme Court of Justice in Brasilia granted a non-binary person official documents with gender-neutral markers. However, this ruling only applies to that specific case and does not require Brazil to provide a third gender option on official documentation otherwise.
Description	Show Difference Intersex children have to be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate, has per the National Justice Council ruling. This means that Brazil at least recognizes intersex people federally since September 11, 2021. However in some states, non-binary people can also have the same registration, first provided in Rio de Janeiro on September 23rd, 2020. 2020. In May of 2025, the Supreme Court of Justice in Brasilia granted a non-binary person official documents with gender-neutral markers. However, this ruling only applies to that specific case and does not require Brazil to provide a third gender option on official documentation otherwise.
Sources	https://www.cnj.jus.br/novas-regras-permitem-registrar-criancas-com-o-sexo-ignorado-na-dnv/ https://defensoria.rj.def.br/noticia/detalhes/13973-Genero-nao-binarie-e-incluido-em-certidoes-de-nascimento https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/radioagencia-nacional/direitos-humanos/audio/2020-09/justica-do-rj-reconhece-direito-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-mudar-documentos https://www.jota.info/justica/nao-binario-documento-tjsp-01112021 https://g1.globo.com/pi/piaui/noticia/2021/07/23/pela-primeira-vez-justica-piauiense-concede-registro-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-a-jovem.ghtml	https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/05/brazil-court-grants-gender-neutral-id-in-historic-victory/ https://www.cnj.jus.br/novas-regras-permitem-registrar-criancas-com-o-sexo-ignorado-na-dnv/ https://defensoria.rj.def.br/noticia/detalhes/13973-Genero-nao-binarie-e-incluido-em-certidoes-de-nascimento https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/radioagencia-nacional/direitos-humanos/audio/2020-09/justica-do-rj-reconhece-direito-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-mudar-documentos https://www.jota.info/justica/nao-binario-documento-tjsp-01112021 https://g1.globo.com/pi/piaui/noticia/2021/07/23/pela-primeira-vez-justica-piauiense-concede-registro-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-a-jovem.ghtml
Sources	Show Difference https://www.cnj.jus.br/novas-regras-permitem-registrar-criancas-com-o-sexo-ignorado-na-dnv/ https://defensoria.rj.def.br/noticia/detalhes/13973-Genero-nao-binarie-e-incluido-em-certidoes-de-nascimento https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/radioagencia-nacional/direitos-humanos/audio/2020-09/justica-do-rj-reconhece-direito-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-mudar-documentos https://www.jota.info/justica/nao-binario-documento-tjsp-01112021 https://g1.globo.com/pi/piaui/noticia/2021/07/23/pela-primeira-vez-justica-piauiense-concede-registro-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-a-jovem.ghtml https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/05/brazil-court-grants-gender-neutral-id-in-historic-victory/ https://www.cnj.jus.br/novas-regras-permitem-registrar-criancas-com-o-sexo-ignorado-na-dnv/ https://defensoria.rj.def.br/noticia/detalhes/13973-Genero-nao-binarie-e-incluido-em-certidoes-de-nascimento https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/radioagencia-nacional/direitos-humanos/audio/2020-09/justica-do-rj-reconhece-direito-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-mudar-documentos https://www.jota.info/justica/nao-binario-documento-tjsp-01112021 https://g1.globo.com/pi/piaui/noticia/2021/07/23/pela-primeira-vez-justica-piauiense-concede-registro-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-a-jovem.ghtml

May 9, 2025

edited by lucasvalentim. Recent changes.

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
End Date	(none)	May 8, 2025

Apr 20, 2025

edited by DaisyGeekyTrans. Rio was first. My bad.

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Start Date	Jul 23, 2021	Sep 23, 2020
Description	Intersex children have to be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate, has per the National Justice Council ruling. This means that Brazil at least recognizes intersex people federally since September 11, 2021. However in some states, non-binary people can also have the same registration, first provided in Piaui on July 23rd, 2021.	Intersex children have to be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate, has per the National Justice Council ruling. This means that Brazil at least recognizes intersex people federally since September 11, 2021. However in some states, non-binary people can also have the same registration, first provided in Rio de Janeiro on September 23rd, 2020.
Description	Show Difference Intersex children have to be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate, has per the National Justice Council ruling. This means that Brazil at least recognizes intersex people federally since September 11, 2021. However in some states, non-binary people can also have the same registration, first provided in Piaui on July 23rd, 2021. Rio de Janeiro on September 23rd, 2020.

Apr 20, 2025

edited by DaisyGeekyTrans. Fixing status to represent regional variations. I was initially going to change the date too but it’s the same date Piaui provided recognition to nonbinary people.

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Value	Intersex only	(REMOVED)
Special Status	Intersex only	Varies by Region
Description	Intersex children have to be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate, has per the National Justice Council ruling. This means that Brazil at least recognizes intersex people federally. However in some states, non-binary people can also have the same registration.	Intersex children have to be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate, has per the National Justice Council ruling. This means that Brazil at least recognizes intersex people federally since September 11, 2021. However in some states, non-binary people can also have the same registration, first provided in Piaui on July 23rd, 2021.
Description	Show Difference Intersex children have to be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate, has per the National Justice Council ruling. This means that Brazil at least recognizes intersex people federally. However in some states, non-binary people can also have the same registration. "unknown" gender on their birth certificate, has per the National Justice Council ruling. This means that Brazil at least recognizes intersex people federally since September 11, 2021. However in some states, non-binary people can also have the same registration, first provided in Piaui on July 23rd, 2021.
Sources	https://www.cnj.jus.br/novas-regras-permitem-registrar-criancas-com-o-sexo-ignorado-na-dnv/ https://defensoria.rj.def.br/noticia/detalhes/13973-Genero-nao-binarie-e-incluido-em-certidoes-de-nascimento https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/radioagencia-nacional/direitos-humanos/audio/2020-09/justica-do-rj-reconhece-direito-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-mudar-documentos https://pautaindependente.com.br/documentos-agora-podem-constar-genero-nao-binario/ https://www.jota.info/justica/nao-binario-documento-tjsp-01112021	https://www.cnj.jus.br/novas-regras-permitem-registrar-criancas-com-o-sexo-ignorado-na-dnv/ https://defensoria.rj.def.br/noticia/detalhes/13973-Genero-nao-binarie-e-incluido-em-certidoes-de-nascimento https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/radioagencia-nacional/direitos-humanos/audio/2020-09/justica-do-rj-reconhece-direito-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-mudar-documentos https://www.jota.info/justica/nao-binario-documento-tjsp-01112021 https://g1.globo.com/pi/piaui/noticia/2021/07/23/pela-primeira-vez-justica-piauiense-concede-registro-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-a-jovem.ghtml
Sources	Show Difference https://www.cnj.jus.br/novas-regras-permitem-registrar-criancas-com-o-sexo-ignorado-na-dnv/ https://defensoria.rj.def.br/noticia/detalhes/13973-Genero-nao-binarie-e-incluido-em-certidoes-de-nascimento https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/radioagencia-nacional/direitos-humanos/audio/2020-09/justica-do-rj-reconhece-direito-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-mudar-documentos https://pautaindependente.com.br/documentos-agora-podem-constar-genero-nao-binario/ https://www.jota.info/justica/nao-binario-documento-tjsp-01112021 https://www.cnj.jus.br/novas-regras-permitem-registrar-criancas-com-o-sexo-ignorado-na-dnv/ https://defensoria.rj.def.br/noticia/detalhes/13973-Genero-nao-binarie-e-incluido-em-certidoes-de-nascimento https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/radioagencia-nacional/direitos-humanos/audio/2020-09/justica-do-rj-reconhece-direito-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-mudar-documentos https://www.jota.info/justica/nao-binario-documento-tjsp-01112021 https://g1.globo.com/pi/piaui/noticia/2021/07/23/pela-primeira-vez-justica-piauiense-concede-registro-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-a-jovem.ghtml

Mar 14, 2024

edited by Notdog1996. Please do not change again. The status needs to be according to the highest federal recognition to be consistent with the status of other countries on Equaldex.

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Value	(REMOVED)	Intersex only
Description	Intersex people are recognized nationwide in Brazil, but non-binary people only can change their legal gender in some states, sometimes having to open a court case.	Intersex children have to be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate, has per the National Justice Council ruling. This means that Brazil at least recognizes intersex people federally. However in some states, non-binary people can also have the same registration.
Description	Show Difference Intersex people are recognized nationwide in Brazil, but non-binary people only can change their legal gender in some states, sometimes having to open a court case. children have to be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate, has per the National Justice Council ruling. This means that Brazil at least recognizes intersex people federally. However in some states, non-binary people can also have the same registration.

Mar 13, 2024

edited by br0okklyn. status and description were not accurate.

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Value	Intersex only	(REMOVED)
Description	Intersex children have to be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate, has per the National Justice Council ruling. This means that Brazil at least recognizes intersex people federally. However, non-binary people can have the same registration in some regions of Brazil.	Intersex people are recognized nationwide in Brazil, but non-binary people only can change their legal gender in some states, sometimes having to open a court case.
Description	Show Difference Intersex children have to be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate, has per the National Justice Council ruling. This means that Brazil at least recognizes intersex people federally. However, non-binary people can have the same registration in some regions of Brazil. are recognized nationwide in Brazil, but non-binary people only can change their legal gender in some states, sometimes having to open a court case.

Mar 1, 2024

edited by Notdog1996. For the sake of consistency with other countries that offer some kind of recognition on the federal level.

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Value	(REMOVED)	Intersex only
Description	Intersex children can be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate. Non-binary people can have the same registration in some regions of Brazil, court ruling pending.	Intersex children have to be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate, has per the National Justice Council ruling. This means that Brazil at least recognizes intersex people federally. However, non-binary people can have the same registration in some regions of Brazil.
Description	Show Difference Intersex children can be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate. Non-binary people can have the same registration in some regions of Brazil, court ruling pending. to be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate, has per the National Justice Council ruling. This means that Brazil at least recognizes intersex people federally. However, non-binary people can have the same registration in some regions of Brazil.

Nov 22, 2023

edited by Sky. Correction of information.

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Start Date	Oct 15, 2021	Jul 23, 2021
Description	São Paulo legalized in 2021 for example; states like Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul legalizes too. Out of that, is intersex nationwide.	Intersex children can be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate. Non-binary people can have the same registration in some regions of Brazil, court ruling pending.
Description	Show Difference São Paulo legalized in 2021 for example; states like Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul legalizes too. Out of that, is intersex nationwide. Intersex children can be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate. Non-binary people can have the same registration in some regions of Brazil, court ruling pending.
Sources	https://defensoria.rj.def.br/noticia/detalhes/13973-Genero-nao-binarie-e-incluido-em-certidoes-de-nascimento https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/radioagencia-nacional/direitos-humanos/audio/2020-09/justica-do-rj-reconhece-direito-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-mudar-documentos https://pautaindependente.com.br/documentos-agora-podem-constar-genero-nao-binario/ https://www.jota.info/justica/nao-binario-documento-tjsp-01112021	https://www.cnj.jus.br/novas-regras-permitem-registrar-criancas-com-o-sexo-ignorado-na-dnv/ https://defensoria.rj.def.br/noticia/detalhes/13973-Genero-nao-binarie-e-incluido-em-certidoes-de-nascimento https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/radioagencia-nacional/direitos-humanos/audio/2020-09/justica-do-rj-reconhece-direito-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-mudar-documentos https://pautaindependente.com.br/documentos-agora-podem-constar-genero-nao-binario/ https://www.jota.info/justica/nao-binario-documento-tjsp-01112021
Sources	Show Difference https://defensoria.rj.def.br/noticia/detalhes/13973-Genero-nao-binarie-e-incluido-em-certidoes-de-nascimento https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/radioagencia-nacional/direitos-humanos/audio/2020-09/justica-do-rj-reconhece-direito-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-mudar-documentos https://pautaindependente.com.br/documentos-agora-podem-constar-genero-nao-binario/ https://www.jota.info/justica/nao-binario-documento-tjsp-01112021 https://www.cnj.jus.br/novas-regras-permitem-registrar-criancas-com-o-sexo-ignorado-na-dnv/ https://defensoria.rj.def.br/noticia/detalhes/13973-Genero-nao-binarie-e-incluido-em-certidoes-de-nascimento https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/radioagencia-nacional/direitos-humanos/audio/2020-09/justica-do-rj-reconhece-direito-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-mudar-documentos https://pautaindependente.com.br/documentos-agora-podem-constar-genero-nao-binario/ https://www.jota.info/justica/nao-binario-documento-tjsp-01112021

Nov 1, 2023

edited by Sky. Small correction of the date.

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Start Date	2021	Oct 15, 2021
Sources	https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Brazil https://defensoria.rj.def.br/noticia/detalhes/13973-Genero-nao-binarie-e-incluido-em-certidoes-de-nascimento https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/radioagencia-nacional/direitos-humanos/audio/2020-09/justica-do-rj-reconhece-direito-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-mudar-documentos https://pautaindependente.com.br/documentos-agora-podem-constar-genero-nao-binario/ https://www.jota.info/justica/nao-binario-documento-tjsp-01112021	https://defensoria.rj.def.br/noticia/detalhes/13973-Genero-nao-binarie-e-incluido-em-certidoes-de-nascimento https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/radioagencia-nacional/direitos-humanos/audio/2020-09/justica-do-rj-reconhece-direito-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-mudar-documentos https://pautaindependente.com.br/documentos-agora-podem-constar-genero-nao-binario/ https://www.jota.info/justica/nao-binario-documento-tjsp-01112021
Sources	Show Difference https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Brazil https://defensoria.rj.def.br/noticia/detalhes/13973-Genero-nao-binarie-e-incluido-em-certidoes-de-nascimento https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/radioagencia-nacional/direitos-humanos/audio/2020-09/justica-do-rj-reconhece-direito-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-mudar-documentos https://pautaindependente.com.br/documentos-agora-podem-constar-genero-nao-binario/ https://www.jota.info/justica/nao-binario-documento-tjsp-01112021 https://defensoria.rj.def.br/noticia/detalhes/13973-Genero-nao-binarie-e-incluido-em-certidoes-de-nascimento https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/radioagencia-nacional/direitos-humanos/audio/2020-09/justica-do-rj-reconhece-direito-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-mudar-documentos https://pautaindependente.com.br/documentos-agora-podem-constar-genero-nao-binario/ https://www.jota.info/justica/nao-binario-documento-tjsp-01112021

Dec 12, 2022

edited by Notdog1996. Merging of the other duplicate entry by adding the sources.

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Start Date	(unknown)	2021
Sources	https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Brazil	https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Brazil https://defensoria.rj.def.br/noticia/detalhes/13973-Genero-nao-binarie-e-incluido-em-certidoes-de-nascimento https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/radioagencia-nacional/direitos-humanos/audio/2020-09/justica-do-rj-reconhece-direito-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-mudar-documentos https://pautaindependente.com.br/documentos-agora-podem-constar-genero-nao-binario/ https://www.jota.info/justica/nao-binario-documento-tjsp-01112021
Sources	Show Difference https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Brazil https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Brazil https://defensoria.rj.def.br/noticia/detalhes/13973-Genero-nao-binarie-e-incluido-em-certidoes-de-nascimento https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/radioagencia-nacional/direitos-humanos/audio/2020-09/justica-do-rj-reconhece-direito-de-pessoa-nao-binaria-mudar-documentos https://pautaindependente.com.br/documentos-agora-podem-constar-genero-nao-binario/ https://www.jota.info/justica/nao-binario-documento-tjsp-01112021

Reports (1)
Status is not correct "Non-binary is recognized in all states of Brazil, i live in here. "
Jun 11, 2023

Sep 23, 2022

edited by Ro_Guy

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Description	São Paulo legalized in 2021 for example; states like Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul legalizes too. Out of that, is intersex.	São Paulo legalized in 2021 for example; states like Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul legalizes too. Out of that, is intersex nationwide.
Description	Show Difference São Paulo legalized in 2021 for example; states like Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul legalizes too. Out of that, is intersex. intersex nationwide.

Sep 23, 2022

edited by Ro_Guy

Helpful?

	Old Value (Original)	New Value
Description	São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro legalized in 2021 for example; states like Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul legalizes too. Out of that, is intersex.	São Paulo legalized in 2021 for example; states like Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul legalizes too. Out of that, is intersex.
Description	Show Difference São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro legalized in 2021 for example; states like Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul legalizes too. Out of that, is intersex.

Sep 23, 2022

created by Ro_Guy

Helpful?

	Original entry
Status
Start Date	(unknown)
End Date	(none)
Description	São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro legalized in 2021 for example; states like Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul legalizes too. Out of that, is intersex.
Sources	https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Brazil