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Don't Deadname Trans People, Especially During Graduation
A Texas school doesn't want to use a trans student's name during their upcoming graduation ceremony—so he's fighting back.
Just outside of Dallas, Texas, an Allen High School senior is battling with his school to simply get his name read at graduation.
18-year-old Jay Alfie began transitioning from female to male during his freshman year of high school, and around the same time, he changed his name to Jay. Earlier this year when Alfie double-checked which name school administrators would use during graduation, they informed him they'd be using his "deadname," or his legal name before transitioning.
The parents met with the school but the administration refuses to compromise.
Alfie expressed his frustrations to CBS21 News.
"Everybody knows me as Jay, and I don’t want to go to my last day of high school, my ceremony to be called down by the wrong thing," he said. "I’m not getting recognized for all the success that I’ve made, all the grades that I’ve made, and all these things that I’ve accomplished."
Alfie's family is in full support of their son and his sister Isabella even started a MoveOn.org petition that currently has over 5,000 signatures.
“It makes me feel sad that they’re not going to allow him to enjoy that last moment,” said his father, Jorge Alfie. “What are we talking about here, 10 seconds? But it’s probably one of the 10 most important seconds of his life.”
With the graduation ceremony this Friday, the Alfie's are reportedly still meeting with the school administration to discuss the issue.
"Just say his name," said Isabella. "I don’t know why it’s a big deal."
“Every young person’s identity as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer should be honored, celebrated and supported," CEO of Equality Texas, Chuck Smith, told NewNowNext. "Allen High School should respect Jay Alfie’s identity and recognize him by his chosen name. To ’deadname’ a student as they cross the stage for graduation in front of their peers, friends, and family constitutes an act of abhorrent bullying and harassment."
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
