Transgender Austrians Get New School Transcripts

Austria's education minister has instructed schools to re-issue grade transcripts to transgender persons who have requested that they be identified by another sex.

Gabriele Heinisch-Hosek said Wednesday the measure is meant to lessen the likelihood of discrimination when the transcripts are included in job applications. Such requests previously had to be approved by the education ministry, which slowed and complicated the process.

The move comes just days after bearded Austrian drag queen Conchita Wurst won the 2014 Eurovision song contest.

Gay, bisexual and transgender groups have welcomed the development and are urging that Austrian universities do the same.