Judge sued for nixing transgender teens’ renaming

CLEVELAND — An attorney for the mothers of three transgender teens in Ohio said in a federal lawsuit filed Friday that a county judge has shown a disturbing pattern and practice of not allowing transgender children to legally change their names.

The lawsuit names Joseph Kirby, the Probate and Juvenile Court judge in Warren County, near Cincinnati. Kirby’s bailiff said Friday that the judge was out of town and unavailable for comment.

Stephanie Whitaker, of Mason, sued on behalf of her 15-year-old son Elliott after Kirby in June refused to allow him to change his name from Heidi, saying he should come back when he turns 18. Jennifer Saul sued to protect her 15-year-old son James, who has a hearing Aug. 14 before Kirby to change his name from Jenna. A woman listed in the lawsuit as Jane Doe says her 17-yearold son fears that Kirby will reject his name change petition, which hasn’t yet been filed.

All three teens have been receiving therapy and medical treatment for gender dysphoria, and their doctors fully support their name changes.

The lawsuit said Kirby refused to grant two other transgender teens name changes this year because they are minors. The only approval for a transgender minor this year in Warren County came from a court magistrate.

“Forcing children to wait until they’re 18 to change their names increases their risk of being outed and bullied, having violence perpetrated against them and having depressive symptoms,” attorney Joshua Langdon said.

Legal name changes are routine, even for children, if they and their parents are in agreement, Langdon said.

“The only time the court is supposed to step in is if there’s a disagreement among the parties,” he said.