The Journey Towards Authenticity: TRLA’s LGBTQIA+ Civil Rights Impact

As TRLA celebrates the diverse identities within the LGBTQIA+ community this Pride Month, we continue to recognize the challenges faced by our clients and provide essential legal services to empower all. Living in Texas, where traditional values can clash with one’s human right to be their authentic selves, can be a discouraging monoculture for LGBTQIA+ individuals.  

Ollie, a TRLA client, shares his remarkable journey as an LGBTQIA+ teen in Texas. It all started two years ago when Ollie’s school refused to use his chosen name in an award ceremony. He was fifteen years old and living in a conservative primarily Hispanic community that his mother describes as dogmatically religious. This began an ongoing battle with his school to have them recognize him for who he is. Ollie came to TRLA asking for one thing: to have his documents reflect his identity. He wanted proof of his identity that no one could deny. A seemingly straightforward task, yet potentially intimidating without help. Without help from our team of attorneys, the legal system can be extremely complex to navigate. We guide our clients through this process and advocate for their authenticity.  

“I cried when I got my new ID,” Ollie recalls when speaking with Gabriel Sanchez, TRLA Special Project Director. He remembers confusion and frustration before having a card without the name Ollie on it. “Knowing who you are and asking people to respect that, then having them look at an inanimate object and decide that that overrides your experience as a person… that was hard.” 

Our LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Team acknowledges that this process affects every aspect of an individual’s existence. They do not simply go through the motions with a client but take great care to connect on a human level during the client’s vulnerable journey. Ollie remembers TRLA as a place where people truly saw him.    

(From Left) Gabriel Sanchez, TRLA Special Project Director; Ollie, featured TRLA client; Lilia, Ollie’s mother; Amber Banks, TRLA Staff Attorney.

“TRLA made me feel seen in every aspect. That’s the really beautiful part. I felt like you actually saw me.” – Ollie  

This past weekend, Ollie was recognized for his advocacy and visibility by being named Grand Marshal at this year’s RGV Pride celebration. Grand Marshals are a tradition at Pride celebrations in which members of the local community get recognized for their contributions. Sanchez, one of last year’s Grand Marshals, shares “I was honored to present Ollie the award and to show him what an impact he has had on the community around him. He is a beacon of hope for trans kids not just in the RGV but across Texas.”  

We also spoke with Ollie’s mother, Lilia, who reflects on her son’s journey. “Ollie coming to terms with who he really is and voicing it caused everything to fall into place. It has been amazing. Our relationship got better than ever,” Lilia recalls. “As parents, we have been entrusted with the precious gift that is a child. We vow to protect them at all costs. I chose to defend my child.” 

She acknowledges that the process was challenging and relentless, “There are some battles I cannot win, but it was so empowering for me to send the court order to Ollie’s school. They have to use Ollie’s name. He can enjoy his senior year without being deadnamed. His documents reflect him. TRLA made it all so easy.” 

This Pride Month and every month, join us in embodying the values of equality, justice, and compassion to forge a path toward a brighter future for all. If you or a loved one is looking to begin the process of changing a name or gender marker on state documents, contact TRLA at 956-393-6204 and/or visit our LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Project page for more information about our services.