Task Force corrects names of 106 trans children and adolescents in Rio

Among those assisted was M**, 15, who traveled from Paraná to Rio de Janeiro with his mother to have his name changed on his birth certificate and identity card. For S**, M**’s mother, the day was remarkable. “It was one of the most beautiful days of our lives,” she said.

She said that her daughter began the transition about a year ago and faced prejudice and bullying during the process. “Rectifying the name is a very important step. If we delay in carrying out this process, the suffering could be even greater,” she said.

The campaign is the result of an ongoing effort between the NGO Minha Criança Trans, the Rio de Janeiro Public Defender’s Office and the Rio de Janeiro State Public Prosecutor’s Office. Children and adolescents from ten Brazilian states were assisted, as well as four families of Brazilian children living abroad.

Unlike trans adults, who can change their names directly at a registry office, trans children and adolescents under 18 need to resort to legal proceedings to change their birth certificate. Thamirys Nunes, founder of the NGO Minha Criança Trans, highlighted the lack of specific regulations on the judicialization of these cases and the need for training in the judicial system to deal with the issue.

“The goal of the campaign is to create case law and encourage the judicial system, public defenders and public prosecutors to replicate similar actions in other states. It is essential to train the Judiciary and reduce stigmas, guaranteeing dignity to trans families and children who seek justice to ensure this right,” concluded Thamirys.

By Ezatamentchy