Winston Helps Transgender Individuals Receive Identity-Affirming Support Through The Name Change Project

Transgender individuals face numerous challenges, many of which are life-threatening. They are four times more likely to live below the poverty line than the average American and the average life expectancy of a transgender Black woman is only 35 years.

Transgender individuals also face a long list of daily indignities and insults when they are simply trying to board a flight, check into a hotel, or order an alcoholic beverage and their government-issued ID does not match their gender identification. In fact, the U.S. Transgender Survey found that 32% of transgender individuals with ID photos and names that don’t match their appearance reported being verbally harassed, denied benefits or services, asked to leave, or even assaulted.

Unfortunately, the process of legally changing one’s name is usually time-consuming and complicated. And all too often, it is also cost-prohibitive for transgender individuals.

To help address these significant day-to-day challenges, Winston & Strawn collaborates with the Transgender Legal Defense Fund and its Name Change Project to connect low-income individuals with pro bono attorneys who can help them navigate the name change process and represent them in court when necessary.

Since 2019, Winston & Strawn attorneys have helped nearly 30 transgender individuals complete the identify-affirming and life-changing process of having an ID that matches their gender identity.