Cross-dressing: The act of wearing clothing and other effects commonly associated with one specific gender.
There has been much debate on whether or not cross-dressing should be permitted in schools. Most argue that it breaks the barriers of discrimination, allowing students to break free from gender norms placed on our society. Encouraging our generation to see past and go against toxic masculinity. However, others see it as an offensive action against the LGBTQ+ community.
On October 18th, 100 male school students wore skirts to class to protest against sexism, homophobia and toxic masculinity. The Canadian High School required all female students to wear a skirt no shorter than 10cm above the knee. 16-year-old, Zachary Paulin noticed how there was no equivalent rule for boys when wearing shorts. As a result, he knew that something had to be done.
He explained his reasoning behind the protest on an Instagram post stating that:
‘Skirts are often used to discriminate against girls, with the aggressors excusing their actions by sexualising women unnecessarily and blaming THEM for THEIR actions.’
‘So by wearing a skirt, we are united and together against the sexualization of women and we’re sending a message against toxic masculinity, that’s keeping boys from being who they truly are, without judgement.’
‘We’re in 2020, we should be open-minded: and all fight to end discrimination, homophobia and sexism. That’s what our skirts represent. Thank you.’
This protest gained media attraction and was met with positive feedback as he raised awareness of an ‘oppression inherent’ system in their school dress code.
But not all schools are open with the idea of cross-dressing among their students. Muck-up day is an end-of-year Australian tradition for year 12s graduating to celebrate. Essentially, senior students would play practical pranks around the school as well as dressing up. In the past, cross-dressing was one of the many themes. But as our generation has become more politically and socially aware, many schools were hesitant and refused to see boys in dresses and girls as boys.
So for our fellow viewers, what are your opinions on cross-dressing in school? Are you for or against?