What’s in a Deadname?

You know I love seeing examples of companies who are solving some of the everyday challenges that TGX+ folks encounter.

One of these everyday challenges: getting confronted with their previous name.

For many transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive (TGX+) folks, encountering their previous name (aka their “deadname”) can be invalidating of their identity, frustrating, and hurtful.

There are many instances where TGX+ folks may have to encounter their deadname, including calls from telemarketers with outdated information, marketing emails from companies where their previous name is listed, and from people in their everyday lives who might not respect their authentic identity.

Having an authentic name recognized and used is not only affirming, but it’s also been linked to positive mental health outcomes for TGX+ folks.

Experian took note of this and created a helpful solution for one of the areas in life where someone’s deadname could potentially haunt them forever — their credit report!

“Experian will remove your deadname from your credit report so your credit history appears only under your new legal name.”

There are nuances to this, as it requires a court-ordered name change document. For a variety of reasons, not all TGX+ folks choose to or have access to change their name legally. Regardless, Experian making this option a possibility is a huge milestone for the systemic affirmation of TGX+ folks.

In fact, it showcases one of the 4 pillars for TGX+ inclusion: Engagement.

Through this act of allyship, Experian is practicing external engagement by supporting TGX+ folks outside of its organization and providing a practical solution for this everyday issue.

Have questions about TGX+ inclusion and deadnames? Join our monthly TGX+ Inclusion Roundtable for HR, DEI, and ERG leaders. You can register here!