Last month, a transgender girl in Alabama was denied access to her prom because she wore a dress.
After Drake told her own child, who attends Section High School’s homecoming, she received a visit from the student in Jackson County, Alabama, according to Lesa Drake, a caregiver in Jackson County. The unknown trans teen requested Drake enter the prom with her.
Drake claimed that the transgender student was informed by the school’s superintendent that she would not be permitted to attend graduation unless she changed out of her gown and into slacks.
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” I kept asking why. Why ca n’t she come”? Drake said, adding that the main responded,” ‘ Because she’s wearing a clothing”. ‘
Drake claimed that there were other transgender students at the graduation who were wearing clothing that matched their gender identity, but the main continued to refute Drake’s claim that the principal had informed her the day before that she could not go unless she wore pants.
Drake claimed that the main referenced the student handbook at the time of her return, but when she checked the laws, she discovered that the scholar had never violated any laws.
” I looked at the student book, and there’s absolutely nothing in it, and there’s nothing in the graduation section”, Drake said.
The Jackson County School District’s 2023–2024 Student/Parent Data Guide, which is, includes components on the prom and learner” Dress and Appearance”. In no way is appropriate attire based on a child’s identity or gender. The homecoming section only includes instructions for visible tattoos and piercings, along with the statement,” The prom is a formal function and both kids and timings should dress accordingly.”
A Part Police Department officer was present, according to Drake, and he claims to have body camera footage of the entire conversation with the school’s director. Part High School, the Jackson County school board, and the Area Police Department have still not commented on the event, but according to WAAY, kids and other relatives again up Drake’s account.
Because the student in question does not have a support system, and LGBTQ+ students ‘ mental health should be a priority, Drake told WAAY that she felt compelled to help.
Who cares what they wear without a doubt? she said. ” And these boys, if they’re never seen or heard, remove themselves. You know, did I instead my child wear a gown to prom or off himself? Use that dress to prom without a doubt. Who cares? It’s one’s business”.
” It was wrong, and that’s why I went”, she added,” And I would do it again. I did”.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in problems, help is available. Call or chat at (918 ) or send a text message. The ( 1- 877- 565- 8860 ) is staffed by transgender people and will not touch law enforcement. The Trevor Project provides a healthy, assessment- free place to talk for children via, word ( 678- 678 ), or telephone ( 1- 866- 488- 7386 ). Help is available at all three tools in both Spanish and English.