Republic of the Philippines

NORTH EASTERN MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION
Main Campus, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur

Fostering Inclusion: Embracing Diversity, Resisting Uniformity

Promoting inclusion and acceptance in today's culture is essential to creating a

setting that is secure and encouraging for everyone. The influence of school uniforms on
the LGBTQ+ population must be carefully considered, even if they have long been a
tradition in educational institutions. In this editorial, I argue against mandatory dress
codes for LGBTQ+ students, stressing the value of enabling people to openly express
their gender identity and sexual orientation and promoting an accepting and diverse
school climate.
Respecting a person's gender identity and expression is one of the guiding ideals
of inclusion. School dress codes frequently follow strict gender standards and limit
students' options for clothes depending on their given sex at birth. Due to the fact that it
does not respect and accept their true identities, this can be limiting and alienating for
LGBTQ+ students. Schools unintentionally transmit the message that their gender identity
is not real or deserving of acknowledgment by requiring a uniform that does not
correspond with it, which causes mental discomfort and a sense of marginalization.
Giving young people the freedom to dress however they choose encourages self-
expression and builds self-confidence. For LGBTQ+ students, being able to portray
themselves truthfully can be essential to their overall performance in school and well-
being. Due to the nature of school uniforms, LGBTQ+ students' capacity to express
themselves freely and feel confident in what they wear is constrained. Schools may foster
a supportive environment where students can excel in both their academics and their
personal lives by supporting various kinds of self-expression.
If school uniforms don't take LGBTQ+ students' needs into account, bullying and
prejudice may inadvertently continue. Uniforms enable bullies to target LGBTQ+ students
specifically by highlighting those who do not adhere to conventional gender stereotypes,
thus compounding the difficulties already faced by these students. Schools must establish
an inclusive and welcoming climate that rejects prejudice and supports the special
experiences of LGBTQ+ pupils. An essential element in creating this inclusive
environment is allowing students to dress in a manner that is consistent with their gender
identity.
Educational institutions have a responsibility to be catalysts for change, setting an
example of inclusivity and acceptance. By adopting policies that support the individuality
and well-being of LGBTQ+ students, schools send a powerful message that diversity is
celebrated and valued. Embracing the unique experiences and identities of LGBTQ+
students not only enhances their educational experience but also prepares them for a
world that appreciates and respects diversity.
 Republic of the Philippines
NORTH EASTERN MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION
Main Campus, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur

Educational institutions could consider about different ways to clothing standards

that encourage diversity rather than enforcing strict school uniforms. Possibilities include
gender-neutral dress guidelines or letting students wear whatever suits their gender
identity. Schools can make sure they are fostering an atmosphere that is really sensitive
to the needs and experiences of all students by involving students, parents, and LGBTQ+
organizations in the formulation of these policies.
It is essential that educational institutions uphold these ideals as we work to create
a society that is more diverse and accommodating. When it comes to LGBTQ+ young
people experiences, school uniforms can reinforce marginalization and discrimination.
Schools can promote an environment that respects and celebrates the individual identities
of all students by opposing the imposition of uniforms and embracing diversity. It's time
to break out of the mold and design learning environments that genuinely amplify and
support the LGBTQ+ community.