In re Richardson to Change Name

DOWLING, J.,

Like the gargoyles of medieval architecture, with their distortion of human and animal figures, Percy wishes to fasten to his male body the female appellation of “Diane Diane.”

In this Commonwealth, an individual cannot change his name without permission of the court acting upon a petition complying with certain statutory requirements.1 Petitioner has fulfilled these requirements. He has advertised, given notice and presented testimony at a hearing that he was free of judgments. Mr. Richardson testified that he had no criminal record, was not engaged in criminal activity and was…