In an act of courage and self-affirmation, the 15-year-old daughter of actors Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner publicly introduced her new name and transgender identity at her grandfather’s memorial service this past weekend.
Previously known as Seraphina Rose Elizabeth Affleck, the teenager arrived at the West Virginia church wearing a classic black tuxedo and buzzcut hairstyle. As she approached the lectern to speak, she looked out at the gathered friends and family and firmly stated, “Hello, my name is Fin Affleck.”
It was a simple yet powerful declaration from the youngest child of the Hollywood stars, who announced to the world that she now identifies as transgender and will use the name Fin and they/them pronouns going forward.
The somber occasion of memorializing Jennifer’s late father, William John Garner, provided an unexpectedly public setting for Fin’s unveiling of their true self. But those close to the family say the symbolism of doing so while celebrating Mr. Garner’s life of openness, acceptance and family devotion made it a fitting moment.
“William was always one to embrace his loved ones for who they truly were, without judgment,” said a longtime Garner family friend. “I know he would have opened his arms and heart to Fin with nothing but pride and love.”
For Jennifer, 51, and Ben, 50, supporting their child’s journey has been of paramount importance, even amid the intense media spotlight on their family. The couple, who separated in 2015 after 10 years of marriage, have remained closely united in raising their three children – Violet, 19, Fin, 15, and Samuel, 12.
“Jen and Ben are incredible parents who only want their kids to feel empowered to be themselves,” said a source close to the family. “Seeing Fin stand up so confidently and declare their identity was an incredibly moving moment for them both.”
The symbolic embracing of Fin’s true self during the memorial suggests the family may have been privately supporting their child’s transgender experience for some time already. Photographs show Fin sporting a close-cropped hairstyle as far back as January.
LGBTQ youth advocates praised Fin’s public introduction as an important step toward greater trans visibility and living authentically. “Every act of openness helps to dismantle stigma and create more acceptance,” said Jessie Jenkins, executive director of LGBTQ support organization Point Foundation.
Still, the transition to a new name and pronouns can take adjustment, even for those closest to the individual. During her heartfelt eulogy for her father, Jennifer referred to Fin with she/her pronouns before quickly correcting herself – a subtle signal of the learning process all families go through.
For Fin, having the supportive environment to take such a deeply personal step in their gender journey was no doubt empowering. And the powerful symbolism of doing so while honoring a man whose embrace of family transcended all else seemed a fitting embrace of their own truth.
As Jennifer wrote in her tribute to her father, “Today is for gratitude.” For Fin Affleck, Saturday marked a courageous milestone deserving of just that.
The Afflecks have not yet publicly commented further on Fin’s transgender identity. Representatives for both Ben and Jennifer declined requests for additional statements.
Ben will next appear in the thriller “The Accountant 2” this fall, while Jennifer is set to play Elektra in the upcoming “Deadpool 3” alongside Ryan Reynolds.
