A group of drag queens have rallied against Facebook over its real name policy, claiming they have the right to use their stage names for professional and personal reasons, the BBC reported.
Facebook mandates that people use their real names for profiles in order to ensure online safety and accountability. The social networking site has reportedly locked out several drag queens, stating they won't have access until the profiles show their legal names.
That policy, however, infringes upon what drag queens and transgender performers say is their right to protect their privacy and maintain the identities they are known by in the community.
"Although our names might not be our 'legal' birth names, they are still an integral part of our identities, both professionally and to our communities," reads a petition calling for Facebook to allow the changes, which has over 6,000 signatures.
"We build our networks, community and audience under the names we have chosen, and forcing us to switch our names after years of operating under them has caused nothing but confusion and pain."
Seattle-based entertainer Cherry Sur Bete, who said his profile was flagged for using his stage name, said Facebook's rule also affects victims of abuse who use fake names to remain anonymous, the BBC reported.
A Facebook spokesman told the BBC the policy actually keeps its users safe and makes it easier to prevent people from writing abusive comments on the site.
There are ways to get around the policy, "including providing an alias under their name on their profile, or creating a Page specifically for that alternative persona," said the spokesman, referring to pages mostly used by public figures as a way to connect with fans.
But entertainers say it's hard to promote a Page without having to give Facebook money for advertising.
