This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
VIDEO: Transgender student sues Cal Baptist for expulsion after appearing on MTV's 'True Life'
Domaine Javier is suing Christian university Cal Baptist for violating anti-discrimination laws. She was expelled after revealing her biological gender on MTV's "True Life."
(
MTV's "True Life"
)
A transgender woman is suing California Baptist University for expelling her after she revealed on MTV's "True Life" that she is biologically male.
The Riverside Press-Enterprise says 25-year-old Domaine Javier's lawsuit alleges the private Christian university, which has about 5,000 students, violated California anti-discrimination laws and is in breach of contract. The Superior Court suit seeks $500,000 in damages.
Javier says she was expelled in August 2011 after her MTV appearance on the "True Life: I'm Passing As Someone I'm Not" episode. Monday's lawsuit says she was expelled because she is transgender.
In the episode, she talks about her struggle with her secret:
"I've always defined myself as female, but I am a girl, trapped in a guy's body. My mom always wanted a baby girl. When I came out, she's like, 'Oh my god, it's a boy.' When suddenly my dad snapped out of the picture, my mom was like, 'Okay, I am going to turn this kid into a girl.' My mom would dress me in fancy girly clothing. I embraced it because it's how I felt on the inside. … I have been passing as a girl ever since I was 13 years old."
University documents say Javier was expelled because of "fraud, or concealing identity." University lawyer Theodore Stream has refused to comment on the suit because he hasn't seen it.
Sponsored message
Get More: True Life , Full Episodes
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
