Gender Identity Clarification for Court Proceedings

I, Cody J. Rice-Velasquez, am a transgender person who typically presents in a more traditionally feminine and/or gender-nonconforming way. Due to recent displacement, loss of access to affirming clothing, makeup, and basic self-care resources, my current appearance may not align with my gender identity or how I am publicly perceived on platforms like LinkedIn or in prior photographs.

This discrepancy is temporary and caused by hardship — not by a change in identity.

For the sake of clarity, I respectfully request that the Court, all counsel, and all affiliated parties recognize and use my correct legal name, Cody Rice-Velasquez, and refer to me using they/them or he/him pronouns depending on comfort level.

Any variance in appearance or pronoun usage online or in official documents should not be construed as abandonment of my gender identity, but rather a reflection of limited resources and a survival-based adaptation to ongoing discrimination in employment and housing.

This is an adaptive survival measure, not a concession, and should be understood as such under both the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable gender identity protections under federal and state law.