CLEVELAND — A judge who has come under fire for refusing to allow transgender teenagers change their names is now being sued, according to NBC OUT.
The website reported that three teenagers were suing because of what seemed like a pattern. All of the teens have the support of their parents both in the lawsuits and in changing their names.
From NBC OUT:
The lawsuit names Joseph Kirby, the Probate and Juvenile Court judge in Warren County near Cincinnati. Kirby’s bailiff said Friday 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, 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. A woman listed in the lawsuit as Jane Doe says her 17-year-old 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 with their doctors fully supporting 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.