by Mo 

My experience receiving Gender Affirming Legal Care with Southern Legal Center for Youth created opportunities for me. SLCY made changing my name easy. Without their clear illustration of the legal process, I would not have had the executive function to change my name. In other words: my name change would not have been possible without SLCY. On purpose, the government makes such changes convoluted and inaccessible. Surviving this political climate is often devastating enough without having to file documents at the court house. I could not afford a lawyer, but I needed help. Receiving a step by step guide and working directly with SLCY to keep myself on track was instrumental.

I am a teacher. My students now don’t see my deadname whenever they email me. This has changed my personal and professional life, giving me back control in my classroom.

Truly, it is affirming.

Particularly, the legal team assembled treated my case with such care and kindness. I’ve come to expect discrimination from legal systems as a trans person. The legal consultant assigned to me ensured I was informed, able to advocate for myself, and treated with dignity and respect. Above all, I knew my privacy was protected and my legal needs would be met.

It is rare that nonprofit organizations provide such instrumental and direct services. Their initiatives have impact, one I am thoroughly grateful for.