Dear Friends, Allies, and Supporters of Human Rights,

I am a transgender woman who came to Slovenia as a refugee. I fled my country of origin in the Middle East at a young age, escaping a place where my life was at risk simply because of who I am. In the region I come from, transgender and queer people live under constant threat of violence, persecution, and death.

Today, I face a different - but deeply painful - barrier to living my life with dignity. In my official Slovenian documents, I am still forced to use the name assigned to me at birth, a name that does not reflect my gender identity and does not represent who I am. Every time I am required to show my documents, I am exposed, questioned, and made vulnerable.

When I approached a Slovenian municipality to request a name change, I was told that, because I am not a Slovenian citizen, this is not possible and that I should contact the authorities of my country of origin. As a refugee, I cannot - and must not - turn to the authorities I fled from for protection or recognition.

All I am asking for is something deeply human: the right to have my name reflect who I am. A name is not just an administrative detail. It is dignity, safety, and recognition. For the authorities, this may seem like a minor bureaucratic matter. For me, it affects my daily life, my sense of security, and my ability to exist openly as a woman.

This is why I am asking for your support.

By signing this petition, you stand with me in calling on the Republic of Slovenia to:

• Allow transgender refugees to change their names in personal documents, regardless of citizenship status.

• Establish clear, humane, and accessible procedures that enable safe name changes without forcing refugees to contact authorities from their countries of origin.

• Recognize the fundamental right of every person - citizen or refugee - to have documents that reflect their gender identity.

If you believe in human dignity, equality, and the right to self-determination, please sign this petition and share it with others. Together, we can help ensure that transgender refugees in Slovenia are treated with respect and humanity.

SIGN THE PETITION HERE.

Share & Amplify

Please share this petition through your networks, social media, and community spaces. Use the hashtag #TransRightsAreHumanRights and tag @MinInteriorSI to bring this appeal to the attention of decision-makers.

Thank you for standing with me. Your support gives me strength and hope.

With gratitude and solidarity,
A transgender refugee woman

Reka Si - research and art institute,
Womxn diasporic organization