Currently, at Appalachian State University, we are working with a broken and archaic system. In some aspects, students are allowed to use their preferred names, and can even submit their preferred names through AppalNet. However, in many other crucial areas, students are still forced to use their legal names, even in some of the most important and vulnerable moments. AppCards, seen by friends, faculty, and even students themselves still must contain the legal name. Class rosters, often read out in front of the class and used in the first interactions between a teacher and a student. Even when one is walking across the stage at graduation. After 4 years of extremely hard work, a name you haven't used in years can be spoken in front of  1000s of people.

The ACLU reports that 68% of trans people have no gender affirming form of identification. The process of getting a legal name change can quickly become extremely expensive and time consuming, and even lead to cases of discrimination. It is time to change the system to make it work for EVERYONE.

Sign this petition to:

1. Support the use of preferred and affirming names on AppCards, class rosters, graduation, etc.

2. Support the use of part of the SGA budget to assist ASU students legally change their names.