Trans and Drag Coalition Meet with Facebook Over 'Real Name' Policy

Drag queens, transgender individuals and LGBT activists continue to be angry over Facebook's enforcement of their "legal name" policy for users, despite an hour-long face-to-face meeting on Wednesday in San Francisco.

Last week, Facebook suspended and deleted profiles of those users reported using "fake" names. Although they reinstated profiles for members of the LGBT community, Facebook also said it was a temporary move, and that they hoped users would confirm their real identity, change their legal name, or move to a fan page within the next two weeks.

Buzzfeed reports that Facebook spokesperson Andrew Souvall told them in a statement that despite the discussion, the company would continue to require all users to display their "real names."

"While at first glance this seems like a grand show of support for our community it is actually a completely hollow gesture," wrote Sister Roma, a prominent drag queen performer and member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence who attended the meeting. "Basically they offered to give us our profiles back so that two weeks later they could suspend them, demand we comply to their unfair and discriminatory policy, and if not, take them away again. This is completely unacceptable."

Over the past week, activists have challenged the policy, saying that it disproportionately impacts members of the LGBT community. Drag queens argue that they have been negatively impacted by the policy because they are well-known by their stage or chosen names.

Transgender individuals say that the policy could put them at risk if they no longer identify with their given names and are outed to those who don't realize they are trans. They also say it creates a particular danger for transgender youth, who may not be legally able to change their names.

"Facebook is refusing to alter its name change policy. I'm so disgusted," wrote Justin V. Bond. "I have a lot of pros and cons to consider. Mostly what my values are and what I stand for. Obviously there are many reasons to stay but one thing I have always tried to avoid is being ashamed of myself and I might feel that way if I continue to be a part of the Facebook 'community.'"

The Bay Area Reporter notes that gay San Francisco Supervisor David Campos had attended the meeting, and said that "Clearly, there is selective enforcement going on," but that he was trying "to take Facebook at face value" and trust that the company is "trying to do the right thing."

Some also say the policy could endanger those who are trying not to be found, like abused and battered women, bullied teens and transgender activists.

Sister Roma, a member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, was forced to make changes when Facebook locked her out of her account.

"This issue is way bigger than a bunch of drag queens complaining because we can't use our stage names," Roma said in a news release. "This policy is discriminatory and potentially dangerous to a variety of Facebook users, including abused and battered women, bullied teens, political activists, sex workers, and especially members of the transgender community; all examples of people who use pseudonyms to ensure their safety and privacy."

For now, both sides have agreed to meet again to continue discussing the issue.

"We didn't get the whole issue solved by any means. Facebook refuses to acknowledge there is a problem with the policy," said Sister Roma. "Now, we're trying to get Facebook to realize there's a problem with the way pages are reported and the way that those complaints are researched. There's a whole community of people that are being targeted and being bullied."