With our campaign, ‘No sex entry at birth’, we aim to initiate a global discussion about the legal regulation of sex, and the ways in which we can foster sexual and gender self-determination. As adults who remember the difficult experience of growing up as boys or girls and being expected to fit into a rigid binary, we demand a change in regulations. We believe that if we want to protect children, we must give them time to develop their own understanding of their bodies and social gender. Therefore, a sex entry in the civil registry should not be made at birth, but only once individuals are in a position to decide for themselves (for example, at the age of 14 or 18). Even then, such an entry should not be mandatory. Until then — and beyond — the state must provide the conditions for gender-sensitive, open education and upbringing, as well as appropriate medical and psychosocial support for everyone’s sex/gender development.
This initiative not only promotes children’s rights, but also highlights the broader civil rights significance: gender self-determination applies to everyone! It is not limited to selected minorities — every individual should be able to align their legal sex entry with their lived gender through a straightforward administrative process. The state must combine this right with anti-discrimination measures and protection against violence, and acknowledge the sex/gender diversity that already exists.
In Germany, we draw on the Self-Determination Act (SBGG), which has been in force since 2024. Since then, switching between four options is possible: diverse, female, male, or no entry. Nonetheless, the choice or change of a sex entry in legal documents is still based on racist, adultist and biologist compromises and needs improvement! We are envisaging a potentially worldwide campaign called ‘No sex entry at birth’. Would you like to contribute to transnational cooperation and the mutual sharing of skills in building such a campaign?
If you are part of an activist group, project or initiative that adheres to this idea; an individual who would like to share their expertise or networks; or an artist or filmmaker who would like to contribute, please contact us at: kgbg-kampagne@proton.me
Antke A. Engel, Renate Lorenz and Samu/elle Striewski (5 May 2026).
Download (as pdf) > ready for preliminary circulation, if you know people or groups who might like to support the initiative.
On July 19, 2026 (5-7pm, PA58 Berlin-Wedding) there is a chance to discuss this initiative (in German). There will also be a guest contribution by Rafael Baioni (in English) about according activities in Brazil.