On Thursday, July 27, New Mexico Legal Aid joined forces with the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico (TGRCNM) to host a transformative event—the Name Change Clinic. This clinic held special significance for the transgender community, offering a crucial opportunity for individuals to assert their identities and align their legal documents with their true selves.

For transgender individuals, the ability to change their legal names is a profound and empowering step in affirming their gender identity. Often, many transgender people may have been given names at birth that don’t align with their true selves. Being able to choose a name that resonates with their identity can have a significant impact on their emotional well-being and sense of self-worth.

Michael Trimm, the executive director of TGRCNM, talked about how the impact of changing your name is increased safety. “Your documents not only affirm with who you are, but they are congruent with all your legal documents,” he said. “It’s also about what feels best to you. That’s your name. For me, when I changed my name, it was very freeing.”

This is the fourth name change clinic hosted at TGRCNM since the pandemic. Michael talked about the importance of offering a service like this that is much needed but still underutilized. “It’s important for TGRCNM to be part of events like this because he have become the safter option for our community,” he said. “We are the vetting machine. If we can recommend a service, people are more likely to take advantage of that resource.

By providing legal support for name changes, New Mexico Legal Aid plays a crucial role in ensuring that transgender individuals can navigate the often complex legal processes involved in this significant life event. The Name Change Clinic offers expert guidance and sends a strong message of support and solidarity to the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the importance of self-expression and dignity.

As a staunch advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, New Mexico Legal Aid extends its support beyond events like the Name Change Clinic. The organization’s ongoing LGBTQ+ Legal Access Project, “Safe To Be You,” is dedicated to providing free legal services to LGBTQ+ survivors of violence.

Derek Garcia, an attorney with the LGBTQ+ Legal Access Project, emphasized the critical role of Safe To Be You in empowering survivors. “LGBTQ+ individuals who have experienced violence face unique challenges. They may fear discrimination or face barriers when seeking help,” he said. “Safe To Be You strives to break down those barriers by offering confidential legal services that prioritize the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ survivors.”

The Name Change Clinic and Safe To Be You are part of New Mexico Legal Aid’s unwavering commitment to fostering equality and justice for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. As an organization, they embrace the principles of inclusivity, compassion, and dignity, striving to create a world where everyone can live without fear of discrimination or violence.