Teen Sues DMV After Being Forced To Remove His Makeup

A South Carolina teen is suing the DMV — because he was forced to remove his makeup.

In March, 16-year-old Chase Culpepper reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles in Anderson. He had just passed his driving exam and was excited to get his license. However, before he could pose for his photo, Chase was asked to remove his “disguise.” Although Chase is legally a male, he often wears women’s clothing and makeup. He wanted his driver’s license photo to reflect his true feelings, and identity.

Chase admits he wore makeup to the DMV. However, he was mortified when he was asked to wash his face. Culpepper said he was forced to remove all his makeup before posing for the photo. In his own words, he “left the DMV feeling humiliated.”

As reported by ABC News, the teen is now suing the DMV for violating his constitutional rights. The lawsuit was prepared and filed by an attorney with the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund. Executive Director Michael Silverman issued an official statement about the incident and the lawsuit.

“Chase is entitled to be himself and to express his gender non-conformity without interference from the South Carolina DMV… It is not the role of the DMV or any government agency or employee to decide how men and women should look.”

DMV spokeswoman Beth Parks said her colleagues were somewhat confused when they realized Chase Culpepper was wearing makeup.

“I understand that he does wear makeup all the time, and for women, regular everyday makeup is acceptable, but it is unusual to see it on a young man.”

Parks further explained that the DMV employees did not intend to violate Chase’s constitutional rights. Instead, they were simply enforcing guidelines — which are mandated by the state. The DMV has strict photo guidelines, which are meant to ensure drivers license photos accurately depict the license holder. Although the guidelines clearly forbid disguises, men are not specifically prohibited from wearing makeup.

It is unclear whether the makeup truly altered Chase’s appearance, as the only available photo was taken after he washed his face. Attorney Silverman said the teen did not want to sue the DMV. However, they refused to discuss or try to resolve the situation. As reported by Los Angeles Times, Chase Culpepper made the decision to file the lawsuit to protect himself, and others, from similar discrimination in the future.

[Images via The Indy Channel and Daily News]