A trans student in suburban Texas has been forced to start an online petition after being informed that he would be 'deadnamed' (called by his legal name prior to transitioning) at his upcoming graduation.
Jay Alfie is set to graduate later this year from Allen High School in suburban Dallas.
According to the petition, Alfie's "parents have met with the appropriate people to try to get this resolved, but leadership in Allen ISD will not agree to announce Jay" by his name.
The petition currently has over 5,700 signatures.
He continued: “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. I’m not getting recognised for all the success that I’ve made, all the grades that I’ve made, and all these things that I’ve accomplished.”
Jay's father, Jorge Alfie, added: “It makes me feel sad that they’re not going to allow him to enjoy that last moment.”
"What are we talking about here, 10 seconds? But it’s probably one of the 10 most important seconds of his life.”
Local LGBTIQ+ support organisations have spoken out in support of Alfie's petition.
“Every young person’s identity as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer should be honoured, celebrated and supported," Chuck Smith, CEO of Equality Texas, told NewNowNext.
He continued: "Allen High School should respect Jay Alfie’s identity and recognise 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.”
