Trans Name Change Panel and Live Lit Show Celebrates Identity

Charis Books hosts event for Trans Day of Visibility featuring discussions and readings on the meaning of names.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 11:00pm

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Charis Books in Atlanta is hosting a special event called "Call Me By My Name: A Trans Name Change Panel and Live Lit Show" to celebrate Trans Day of Visibility. The event will feature a panel discussion on the legal name change process in Georgia, led by Mykal Alder June and Dani Herd, who will also provide free notarization services. Following the panel, there will be a lineup of trans writers sharing original work inspired by the theme of names.

Why it matters

This event provides a platform for the trans community to share their experiences and perspectives on the significance of names, an important aspect of identity. It also offers practical support through the name change process, which can be a meaningful but challenging milestone for many transgender individuals.

The details

The event will begin with the name change panel, where Mykal Alder June and Dani Herd will discuss the legal process for changing one's name in Georgia. Attendees will have the opportunity to have their own name change documents notarized by Dani, who is a notary public. After the panel, a lineup of trans writers, including Billie Sainwood, Kelsey L. Smoot, Samuel Ace, Femmaeve MacQueen-Rose, Dani Herd, and Mykal Alder June, will share original work inspired by the theme of names.

  • The event will take place on March 25, 2026.

The players

Mykal Alder June

A writer, producer, and musician in Atlanta, Georgia who is co-hosting the event.

Dani Herd

An Atlanta-based writer and theatre artist who is co-hosting the event and will be providing free notarization services.

Billie Sainwood

A poet, performer, and trans menace living in Atlanta whose work will be featured in the live lit portion of the event.

Kelsey L. Smoot

A Tin House Workshop alum, Pushcart Prize nominee, and author of two chapbooks who will be reading at the event.

Samuel Ace

A trans & genderqueer writer and the author of several books and chapbooks who will be sharing work at the event.

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What they’re saying

“Call Me By My Name: A Trans Name Change Panel and Live Lit Show is a discussion and celebration of what our names mean to us.”

— Mykal Alder June, Co-host

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee

What’s next

The event is free and open to all, but registration is required for virtual attendance. Attendees are encouraged to donate $5-20 to support the work of Charis Circle, the programming non-profit that is hosting the event.

The takeaway

This event highlights the importance of creating spaces for the trans community to share their stories and experiences, particularly around the meaningful act of changing one's name. By providing practical support and a platform for trans voices, the organizers are fostering greater understanding and visibility for the trans experience.