Judgment of the Overijssel District Court dated May 6, 2021
The applicant is of female gender but around the age of 14, he discovered that he identifies as male, experiencing gender dysphoria. He had never shared his gender identity with anyone before, but recently his parents suspected that he might be transgender, and he confirmed it.
The applicant was referred to the gender clinic of the hospital several months ago. In this context, he will undergo an appropriate process that will align his gender identity with his actual gender. In anticipation of this, the applicant, with full conviction that he belongs to the male gender, wants to change his current first name and adopt the more masculine first name Jules*.
The applicant has the possibility to change his gender and first name through the municipality based on article 1:28 of the Civil Code, but this requires having a medical certificate. Because he was informed that there is a waiting list of two years, the applicant wishes to change his first name in advance. This requested change of first name is crucial for him at this moment. This is partly because he has recently started higher education and wants to minimize the psychological distress related to his gender identity. Also, considering that he is a young adult, it is important for him to take the necessary steps as soon as possible to be who he is. This is also supported by a report from the gender clinic, which states that the applicant experiences strong distress due to his current first name.
The court rules that the applicant has a sufficiently substantial interest in this request for a name change. The request is granted (in writing), as there has been no oral hearing.
- The real first name is fictitious.
