Name and Document Changes

Why It Matters

Using a person’s chosen name and correct pronouns is more than a simple matter of respect. Transgender people are at a higher risk for poor mental health compared to non-transgender people and research shows that chosen name use is associated with lower rates of depression, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior in transgender youth¹.

Not only is deadnaming (using someone’s birth name) or misgendering painful and inconsiderate - you’re basically asserting that you know this person better than they know themselves - but it also risks outing trans people which can make them targets of discrimination or violence.

A vital part of transition for many trans people is legally changing their name and gender markers on their ID and other documents. Having correct and consistent identification is necessary for a variety of things such as opening a bank account, enrolling in school, applying for jobs, and traveling. It can also help ensure that trans people are not deadnamed or misgendered by the media if they are a victim of crime or by officials after their death².

Unfortunately, many state and federal government offices have burdensome requirements such as doctor's letters or confirmation of surgery as well as high fees for obtaining new, correct identification³.

What We’re Doing

The Little Petal Alliance wants to help remove some of these barriers by offering financial assistance to transgender people in need to help cover these costs. We also recognize this process can be transphobic and daunting so we will offer assistance finding and filling out forms specific to your state and make referrals to low cost or pro-bono legal assistance if needed. We want to minimize the amount of times a trans person needs to use their dead name by literally filling out areas of the forms for them, as saying or writing it can be incredibly painful. We even have stuffies to stress hug when traveling to in person appointments (if any are necessary). It is your journey, so you will be able to choose what level of assistance you need- from just receiving forms to fill out yourself to video chats and a hand to hold.