My name is Sarah Kowalczyk. That is my preferred name anyway. I have not changed my name legally primarily due to the current laws regarding name change as well as the increase in discrimination. Even though discrimination has always been around, it seems more people who are comfortable with showing their hate for minorities. In this case trans people. Currently in Marietta Ga, changing a name requires a notice in the Marietta Daily Journal for four weeks. For trans people in particular this creates even more opportunity for dangerous people to target us. This not just about us trans individuals either. The requirement to make the name change public for a month also puts people who are changing their name for safety reasons in jeopardy. Changing this will be a big step in protecting individuals’ privacy and safety. 

Sarah she/her