Transgender people in Central Florida have advocates that not only stand in solidarity with them, but that offer legal assistance to help with some of the more bureaucratic facets of transitioning.
On March 25, the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association will host a free transgender identification workshop and legal clinic at the Orlando Red Cross. The event focuses on making legal services accessible for transgender individuals who may be seeking name changes.
The issues that follow name changes can be widespread. Many transgender people seek out name changes so they will not be immediately “outed” when their birth certificate or driver’s license lists their birth name instead of their new gender-aligned name. On March 15 in Indiana, a federal judge threw out a transgender man’s lawsuit that challenged the constitutionality of providing citizenship for a name change.
In Florida, name change applicants must submit a petition to the circuit court for their county, pay filing fees and set a hearing date. The National Center for Lesbian Rights’ website says that the process could take up to three months and potentially result in the change not be approved.
The Legal Aid Society’s workshop includes an educational presentation and distribution of free legal forms. The legal clinic consists of pro bono attorneys from the Legal Aid Society ready to consult anyone about name changes or any other legal issues that are related to being transgender.
The Legal Aid Society is a branch of the Orange County Bar Association that provides civil legal services to people who may not otherwise be able to access to such services. The society provides intake and consultation sessions for anyone that needs legal aid but does not have the money or other resources for it. Larri Thatcher, intake, outreach and community education coordinator for the society organized the event.
Regional communications and marketing director of the American Red Cross of Central Florida Rachel Nelson said in an email that the Orlando office was chosen because of its location and reputation.
“The Legal Aid Society was seeking a convenient location with access to public transportation where all would feel welcome,” Nelson said.
They have also taken other steps to make sure that everyone will feel welcome. The Metropolitan Business Association, The GLBT Center of Orlando, the Central Florida LGBTQ+ Alliance, Southern Legal Counsel and the Central Florida Gay and Lesbian Law Association are all associated with the event.
The event is limited to 50 attendees. All participants must register by calling the Legal Aid Society at 407-841-8310.
