I am a woman who was Assigned Male At Birth (AMAB), as such I deal with many psychologically damaging things. I like many others have changed my name to more accurately match who I am, in the trans and genderqueer communities the old names are commonly called “dead names.”
Gender Dysphoria is a life threatening issue that affects 0.3 to 0.7% of people in Saskatchewan. Dead naming is using the name someone was given at birth that they no longer identify with. I am in a place where I am capable to fight this battle for the rights of trans and genderqueer individuals, as I am painfully aware that this is a matter of life and death for many in the trans community. For many being dead named on legal documents, even after the name has been legally changed, can be very damaging.
I received a letter from ISC and I would have refused to open had some other things not been happening with my property, but that is besides the point. I am writing you now as it is very disheartening to me to be addressed by my dead name. The mortgage company Paradigm Quest has received my legal name change paper and a copy of my new birth certificate, see attached along with the document I received from ISC, and has no reason to be using my dead name.
Today I ask that you respect people who fall outside of the gender binary. For many it is not a question of “if” they are going to commit suicide it is “when.” It is not a question of “am I going to be homeless?” it is “when will I next have a bed and or meal?” It is not a question of “is this Jon going to be safe?” it is “I hope I am not hurt tonight.” It is not a question of “am I going to be attacked in public?” it is “how will I get away?”
No one regardless of the gender identity, expression, or any other factor should have to ask themselves these questions. Please do your part to ensure that those individuals who identify somewhere on the trans spectrum are treated with the full dignity and respect they deserve.
Reann’s Story 