Centuries-old uniform code dropped as school embraces ‘gender fluidity’

Jan 21, 2016 by

From TES:

A top private school has scrapped its traditional uniform to accommodate gender dysphoric pupils.

Brighton College said it had dropped the 170-year-old code to meet the needs of pupils who did not feel comfortable identifying with their biological sex.

The school is introducing a “trouser uniform” and a “skirt uniform” for pupils up to age 16. Girls who have gender dysphoria will be able to wear a tweed blazer, tie and trousers, while dysphoric boys will be able to wear a skirt, bolero jacket and open-neck blouse.

At least one pupil has already taken up the option, Brighton College said, while a handful of other families have made inquiries on behalf of their own children.

The move is in reaction to a changing society that recognises that some children have gender dysphoria and do not want school to force them into an identity with which they feel uncomfortable, the college said.

Headmaster Richard Cairns said: “This change follows requests from a small number of families. It ties in with my strong personal belief that youngsters should be respected for who they are.

“If some boys and girls are happier identifying with a different gender from that in which they were born, then my job is to make sure that we accommodate that. My only interest as headmaster is their welfare and happiness.”

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