The non-binary lead of trans horror film I Saw the TV Glow has announced they will henceforth be going by the name Jack Haven. The actor shared the news in a moving post published on Instagram earlier this week.

“i am changing my name, going by Jack Haven now,” they wrote.

“Haven is after my great great uncle, Haven Gillespie who was a songwriter known for the xmas hit ‘Santa Clause is Coming to Town’ which he wrote on the subway in 15 minutes. and first name Jack has stuck.

“Two years ago in a workshop led by @saman_arastoo I began using this name. I said I was using it in safe spaces. Saman said use it in dangerous spaces. So I use it in the mens bathroom,” the post concluded.

 

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Haven, also known for their role in the Netflix hit series Atypical, came out as non-binary in 2019. In a social media post shared at the time, they opened up about their gender identity saying they “always felt a lil bit boy, lil bit girl, lil bit neither”.

“using they/them as of late n it feels right. scary af to come out n been rly putting this off. But I feel I owe it to myself and to all of us who struggle w gender,” the 2019 post continued.

The I Saw the TV Glow star’s name change announcement has sparked an influx of support and positive responses. American drag queen Nina West commented, “I love you Jack Haven,” while writer and filmmaker Kit Williamson wrote, “People like you turn dangerous spaces into safe ones, and we are with you all the way.”

Several others simply said, “Hi Jack,” with one fan sharing: “I came out yesterday because of I Saw the TV Glow, and now this. I can’t!”