Transgender Woman Challenges 'What Is A Woman Act' In Wyoming Supreme Court

Petitioner seeks to change sex on birth certificate, arguing law violates privacy and is discriminatory

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:54pm

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A transgender woman in Natrona County, Wyoming is challenging the state's 'What is a Woman Act' in the Wyoming Supreme Court, seeking to change the sex on her birth certificate. The petitioner, identified as KR, argues the law violates her right to privacy and is discriminatory, while the state defends the law as constitutional.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles over transgender rights and identity documentation, as states like Wyoming pass laws aimed at restricting the ability of transgender individuals to update their official records to match their gender identity. The outcome could set an important precedent for transgender rights in the state.

The details

KR, a transgender woman, had successfully petitioned a Natrona County District Court judge for a name change in 2021 and underwent gender-related surgeries in 2023. In early 2025, KR asked the court to order the Wyoming Department of Health to change the sex marker on her birth certificate to 'F'. However, the court denied the request, citing the state's 'What is a Woman Act' passed that year, which requires vital statistics recordkeeping to be based on biological sex at birth. KR is now appealing the decision to the Wyoming Supreme Court, arguing the law is unconstitutional.

  • KR petitioned for a name change in 2021.
  • KR underwent gender-related surgeries in 2023.
  • KR requested the birth certificate change in early 2025.
  • The 'What is a Woman Act' was passed by the Wyoming legislature in 2025.
  • KR's request was denied by the Natrona County District Court in 2025, leading to the current appeal.

The players

KR

A transgender woman in Natrona County, Wyoming who is challenging the state's 'What is a Woman Act' in order to change the sex on her birth certificate.

Judge Josh Eames

The Natrona County District Court judge who denied KR's request to change the sex on her birth certificate, citing the 'What is a Woman Act'.

Wyoming Attorney General Keith Kautz

The Wyoming Attorney General who is defending the 'What is a Woman Act' in the ongoing legal challenge.

Peter Renn

An attorney with Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund who is representing KR in the appeal.

Erik Oblasser

An attorney with the Laramie-based firm Corthell and King who is also representing KR in the appeal.

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What they’re saying

“Our client just wants to live her life in peace and quiet like everyone else, but everyone needs identity documents to navigate modern life — forcing transgender people to use documents that involuntarily disclose their status.”

— Peter Renn, Attorney, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund

“This violates their privacy and exposes them to discrimination and harassment. Nothing in Wyoming law requires and allows the government to put them in harm's way.”

— Peter Renn, Attorney, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund

What’s next

The Wyoming Attorney General's Office has not yet filed its response to KR's appeal, and the case is ongoing before the Wyoming Supreme Court.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles over transgender rights and identity documentation, as states like Wyoming pass laws aimed at restricting the ability of transgender individuals to update their official records. The outcome could set an important precedent for transgender rights in the state.