5 Shocking Ways The Dragon Ball Wiki's Deadnaming Policy Redefines Goku's Identity

As of December 16, 2025, the Dragon Ball Wiki, like all Fandom-hosted encyclopedias, operates under a network-wide "Gender Identity Guidelines" policy that strictly prohibits deadnaming, which is the act of referring to a transgender person by their former name. This policy, while primarily intended to protect real-life editors and content creators, has sparked a fascinating and often humorous meta-discussion within the *Dragon Ball* community: how would this rule apply to a character like Goku, who was born "Kakarot" but chose the name "Goku" for his life on Earth? The resulting debate has turned a serious editorial guideline into a bizarre, yet insightful, lens through which to view one of the most famous characters in anime history. The controversy surrounding the Dragon Ball Wiki's deadnaming stance isn't about a specific, canonically transgender character in the series, but rather the *application* of a progressive, real-world editorial rule to a vast, decades-old fictional universe. This deep dive explores the policy's origins, its implications across the Fandom network, and the unique ways the *Dragon Ball* community has interpreted this rule to analyze the identity of its main protagonist, Son Goku.

The Fandom Deadnaming Policy: Context and Network-Wide Controversy

The policy on deadnaming is not unique to the Dragon Ball Wiki; it is a core component of the broader Fandom platform's "Gender Identity Guidelines." The rule is designed to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all users and contributors. The official guideline is clear: "Deadnaming is disallowed on our network unless there is a specific, justifiable reason for inclusion in relation to a fictional character." This exception is crucial, as it acknowledges the difference between a real-life individual and a character whose name change is a documented part of the narrative or lore. For instance, if a character is known by multiple names, the wiki's standard naming conventions typically dictate which name is used as the primary article title, often preferring the most widely recognized or current name. The policy gained significant attention when similar Fandom-hosted wikis, such as Wookieepedia (Star Wars) and the Transformers Wiki, publicly affirmed their commitment to the non-deadnaming rule, particularly in relation to transgender or gender-fluid fictional characters. The Dragon Ball Wiki, by extension, must adhere to this standard, prompting a philosophical debate among its editors and the wider fanbase about the nature of identity and naming in the *Dragon Ball* universe. This network-wide application means that the Dragon Ball Wiki must carefully navigate the use of names for characters who have adopted new identities, whether through cultural assimilation, marriage, or other narrative devices. The underlying intention is to set a precedent for respectful discourse and to prevent the weaponization of a character's former name, even if the character's name change is not explicitly tied to a transgender identity.

Kakarot vs. Goku: The Dragon Ball Community's Identity Analogy

The most prominent and widely discussed application of the "deadnaming" concept in the *Dragon Ball* community revolves entirely around the main hero, Goku. Goku's birth name, given to him on Planet Vegeta, is Kakarot. This Saiyan name is almost exclusively used by his Saiyan rivals, most notably Vegeta, who uses "Kakarot" as a term of derision, a constant reminder of Goku's Saiyan heritage and, in Vegeta's mind, his failure to live up to it. The community has latched onto this dynamic, humorously, yet insightfully, comparing Vegeta's insistence on using "Kakarot" to the act of deadnaming. The comparison highlights a core element of Goku's identity: he was sent to Earth as an infant, suffered amnesia, and was raised as "Goku" by Grandpa Gohan, fully embracing his Earth identity. To Goku, "Kakarot" is a name tied to a life he never lived, a genocidal race he doesn't remember, and a destiny he rejected. "Goku" is his chosen name, representing his true identity as Earth's protector and a martial arts master. When Vegeta calls him Kakarot, it is a deliberate attempt to reject Goku's chosen identity and force him back into the Saiyan mold. This mirrors the emotional weight of deadnaming in the real world—the rejection of a person's authentic, chosen self. While the analogy is often used in a lighthearted, meme-like context, it serves a serious purpose: it allows the *Dragon Ball* community to engage with the Fandom policy and the concept of identity in a way that is relevant to their specific fandom. The wiki itself, however, maintains the "Goku" article as the primary page, with "Kakarot" serving as a redirect and a prominent mention in the character's biography, satisfying both the naming convention and the "justifiable inclusion" clause of the deadnaming policy.

Navigating Canonical Transgender and Gender-Fluid Characters

While the Kakarot/Goku dynamic dominates the *meta* discussion, the policy's true test lies in its application to characters whose gender identity is canonically fluid, ambiguous, or explicitly changes within the narrative. The *Dragon Ball* franchise, though predominantly focused on action, does have characters whose gender presentation challenges traditional norms, prompting further discussion on how the wiki should handle their names and pronouns. * Frieza: One of the most famous examples is Frieza, whose gender identity has been a subject of debate. Creator Akira Toriyama once stated that Frieza is biologically sexless, though he uses male pronouns and is generally referred to as male in the English dubs. The wiki's policy would ensure that the most current and contextually appropriate pronouns are used, while acknowledging the ambiguity in their biography. * Fusion Characters (e.g., Vegito, Gogeta): Community discussions have even humorously suggested that fusion characters, who adopt entirely new names (like Vegito or Gogeta) and personalities, are a form of *Dragon Ball* trans identity, having shed their "dead" names (Goku and Vegeta) for a new, combined self. This is purely fan-theory but demonstrates the community's creative engagement with the policy. * Future Character Introductions: The policy acts as a proactive measure. Should a future *Dragon Ball* manga or anime introduce a character who explicitly transitions, the Dragon Ball Wiki is already mandated to use the character's chosen name and pronouns, ensuring respectful representation from the outset. The application of the deadnaming policy to the Dragon Ball Wiki ultimately serves as a fascinating case study in how real-world social guidelines intersect with fictional continuity. It forces fans and editors to consider the nuances of identity, name, and self-determination, even for characters who are powerful Saiyans or alien tyrants. The debate over "Kakarot" has become a surprisingly profound way for the community to internalize a modern editorial standard, ensuring that the wiki remains both comprehensive and respectful.