Branding Myself Since 10

Why is Clear, to verify identities, on LinkedIn forcing its members to either be verified with their legal name or lose the benefits that come with verification?

According to LinkedIn being verified:

Enhanced Trust and Credibility Increased Profile Visibility Stronger Professional Image Protection Against Impersonation Access to Exclusive Features

Here’s the challenge. I have never been called Patricia, except by doctors and passport control agents.

I have been attuned to branding since I was about 10-years-old.

You see, my Dad still spells my name as P-a-t-t-y. When I see it spelled this way I feel no connection to it. When I was 10-years-old I changed the spelling of my name. P-a-t-t-i-e just looked better to me. Ending it with an ‘i’ it felt incomplete. With a ‘y,’ the descending character and the combination of letters just made my name seem disorderly – It made me physically uncomfortable. ‘Pattie’ just felt and looked right.

Despite my love and respect for my military father I did not conform to his way of spelling my name because it didn’t represent me.

So LinkedIn’s Clear verification forcing users to use their legal name is a step backward. Many professionals use different names professionally. Requiring verification shouldn't limit our ability to choose how we present ourselves, or how others may search for us online.

Let's advocate for a system that allows verification without compromising professional identity.

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