Seven Costa Rican transgenders want to erase all of their identity as a male. They feel as being women and want to be called by their female name.
The seven have been lobbying the Registro Civil (Civil Registry) for a name change. To do so, they are relying on two articles of the country’s constitution and the Convención Americana. The first says that all are equal before the aw, while the second states that one a has a right to chose one’s name.
The fight hasn’t been easy. The women face obstacles every day, as the name or gender in the identification is different.
Rejection as to their choice of gender and lifestyle is another obstacle. Being a woman named a man generates strong discrimination.
BUt the seven are not alone. There are nearly 300 transgender women in San Jos and Cartago which form part of the group Transvida, which disseminates information on sexual health and human rights in the “trans” community.
The Registro will not disclose how many requests for such names changes have been made. Rodrigo Falls, chief clerk at the Registro, explains that the name change is not their responsibility, rather one of the judicial system, as the power to change someone’s name is the responsibility of a judge.
The judicial process becomes tortuous for transgenders. Transvida says that what is required is a change in legislation.
Currently, transgenders can use heir “known” name and choice of photo on their identity, whether male or female, but without legal validity. For any legal process, the transgender has to use their registered name and identity, making it difficult to be a woman with the identity of a man.
