(Christian News Network) – The financial services corporation Mastercard has rolled out a so-called “True Name” feature that allows those who identify as transgender or “non-binary” to use their chosen name on their debit and credit cards in order to avoid being detected as such when making a purchase.
“For many in the LGBTQIA+ community, the name on their credit, debit or prepaid card does not reflect their true identity,” the corporation’s website states. “That’s why we’re working with partners to bring products to market that will allow for chosen names to appear on the front of cards, helping ease a major pain point for the transgender and nonbinary communities.”
Mastercard released a video about the effort at the end of Pride Month, showing a woman who identifies as a man making a purchase at a local convenient store. “For transgender people, a secure payment doesn’t mean protecting yourself from someone buying sneakers with your card,” the voiceover says. “No, if you’re transgender, a secure payment means paying for something without being judged, questioned, disrespected, humiliated, harassed [and] even assaulted simply because the name on your card doesn’t match how you identify.”
As the text is being spoken, the promotional production zeroes in on a number of those who identify as the opposite sex. The individual at the convenient store counter hands over her Mastercard, looking up at the cashier to see how he might react. He smiles. READ MORE
