I read an article on www.guardian.co.uk about Leah Winn-Ritzenberg, a transgendered man who decided to change his birth name to Olin. He was denied the right to change his name and told he had to bring in a letter from a doctor, psychiatrist or social worker testifying to the need for a name change.
I have an open comment to that court clerk... PUH-LEEZE!
There are better reasons for a court to deny a legal name change request. For instance, I can understand denying a name change request to someone who simply wants to avoid paying their debts. However, any reason that is not harmful to anyone is simply a private decision, which courts have no need to concern themselves with.
Telling a transgendered person to bring in a doctors note before allowing that person to legally change his or her name is just.... just.. ridiculous? Stupid? Outrageous? An intrusion of that person's privacy? An imposition of a so called "morality" that is really about control? What manner of harm did the clerk at that New York civil court think was being reined in by telling that man to bring in a doctor's note?
Me thinks an extra helping of hassle might be a contributing factor as to why an occasional transgendered person just uses a nickname.
Fortunately, Mr. Winn-Ritzenberg legally challenged that court's actions, and reason prevailed. Many kudos to him, I'm sure his efforts will make things a little easier for the next transgendered person who petitions that particular court to change his or her name.
Here is the link to this article:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/oct/23/transgender-lgbt-name-change-new-york
Comments
The thing sounds utterly stupid. many non-Transsexual men and women change their names every day. none of those have to show a Doctor's letter stating why the person wants a name change so why are the Transsexual men and women required a doctor's letter. it sounds more like harrassment of the courts and rightfully should be forced to change their policy. or perhaps it is the Clerks that need changing. at any case the courts of appeal have corrected the problen I hope forever.
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