Say My Name

What is your full given name?

Julie Ann Whiting

How was that name chosen?

This is quite the interesting story. My mom wanted to name me Sidreis Renee, but my dad, Roger Whiting, wanted to name me Julie Ann. So, my dad got sneaky and signed my birth certificate while my mom was busy recovering. Needless to say, she was livid when she found out. I went an entire year, or maybe a year and a half, as Julie Ann. Then my parents divorced and my mom took me down to the courthouse to have my name legally changed to Sidreis Renee.

What do you like to be called?

Sidreis, although my family and old friends still call me Sid. 

What are all the other names you have used?

I remained Sidreis Renee Whiting until my step-dad, Joseph Keller, adopted me when I was 5. I then became Sidreis Renee Keller, and there I stayed until I married.

Have you ever been called by a name that was distasteful or hurtful?

In High School, two boys--Keith Leach and Andy Nash--would call me Frog. I'm not sure how I got the name. It's not like I'd walk around ribbit'ing. Stupid kid stuff, I suppose.

If you could choose a different name, what would it be?

I've always loved the name Siouxsie. Not because of Siouxsie and the Banshees, but because I am part Sioux indian.