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"Plaintiff Argues That, If She Does Not Use Her Chosen Name, She Will Suffer Serious and Lasting Effects to Her Mental Health"

Not a basis for allowing what is in effect a form of pseudonymity, says a district court.

Eugene Volokh | 7.24.2026 8:32 AM

From Davis v. Surefire Hospitality Group, LP, decided Wednesday by Judge Marilyn Horan (W.D. Pa.):

Plaintiff has identified herself as Kimberly Davis in all filings in this case, while Defendant argues that Plaintiff's legal name is Matthew Grinage. As such, Defendant argues that Plaintiff does not comply with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 10(a). Defendant provides documentation, including her application for employment with Defendant's restaurant, where she used her legal name, Matthew Grinage. The parties do not dispute that Plaintiff has not yet completed a formal legal name change process.

In her brief, Plaintiff argues generic allegations that the use of her legal name causes her "distress, mental anguish, and harm." Plaintiff argues that, if she does........

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