EXPRESS OR IMPRESS:

NARRATIVES OF SENIOR
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
ON CROSSDRESSING

By: JUDY GRACE ABIAO

SARAH IFSOR
DHARYL LADERA
YRA MARIE PESANOS
 Rationale
Cross-dressing, the act of wearing clothing traditionally associated with the
opposite gender, is a behavior that has been observed among individuals of various
ages and cultures. While not a new phenomenon, the acceptance and recognition of
cross-dressing have been subject to debates in many societies. Unfortunately,
experiences of cross-dressers are often misunderstood and stigmatized, leading to
feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation. Cross-dressers and transvestites form a
marginalized group within the LGBTQ+ community, relying on it for support and
recognition as a source of inclusivity and solidarity. Those who engage in cross-dressing
express their own gender identity in a manner that challenges established societal
norms, even if they do not necessarily identify as transgender or seek to transition
( 2016). Not only have cross-dressers faced discrimination in modern society, but they
have also felt compelled to conceal their sexual orientation .
 Rationale
Many men and women used to use cross-dressing as a means of
expressing their individuality and freedom. It still retains the same meaning
now and is now a representation of confidence, equality, and acceptance. But
you can’t exactly stroll freely in the age of activism without something getting in
the way right now. Vogue Magazine featured British pop artist Harry Styles on
the front cover of their December 2020 issue in an effort to promote the
success and notoriety of Styles’ second solo album, Fine Line. Despite Styles’
widespread appeal, the primary focus that drew the attention of the media
moguls was not contained inside the magazine’s pages. Styles was pictured on
the cover wearing a light blue gown at was designed.
 Rationale
Human lives are greatly influenced by the shaping of our choices, beliefs, and even
urges and inclinations, as various circumstances define and limit our available options
despite being legally free to choose. On a daily basis, our freedom of clothing is a
significant factor that impacts us, as many individuals perceive it as intrusive and
unjustified when others dictate what we should wear, how we should style our hair, or if
we can have body art. This connection between the freedom to choose one’s attire and the
belief that autonomy over our bodies is crucial for human dignity reveals the importance
of having full control over our bodies to feel like a truly free individual. While some
argue that dress codes serve to promote consistency, professionalism, and a safe
environment, for others, they inhibit personal identity and result in discomfort. As noted
by Akdemir (2018) in his work, clothing serves as a categorization tool that marks
symbolic distinctions among individuals. Fashion and attire play a significant role in this
categorization process.
 Rationale
An LGBT group in Davao City has expressed their challenges in
convening various sectors to assist in the development of the implementing
rules and regulations (IRR) for the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance in the city.
Oscar Obenza Jr., the representative of the LGBT Davao City Coalition Inc.,
mentioned during the Kapehan sa Davao media forum on Monday that efforts
have been made since (2015) to establish the IRR, but so far, the coordination
has not been successful. The Executive Ordinance No. 0417-2012, known as
the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance of Davao City, was first enacted
in( 2012 )and later amended in 2018. This ordinance prohibits acts and
behaviors of discrimination based on various factors such as sex, gender
identity, sexual orientation, race, color, descent, national or ethnic origin, and
religious beliefs. Despite the existence of this ordinance, the LGBTQ+
community, a term encompassing individuals identifying as lesbians, gays,
bisexuals, transgender, and other queer persons, continues to face
discrimination.
 Rationale
Examining cross-dressing in educational settings holds considerable importance as
it deeply influences the academic environment and the growth of young individuals.
Firstly, it aids educators and school leaders in acknowledging and tackling the
distinctive obstacles encountered by students involved in cross-dressing or those who
identify beyond conventional gender standards. By grasping these obstacles,
educational institutions can establish preventive strategies to foster a welcoming and
accommodating atmosphere that appreciates and respects all students. Secondly, the
study of cross-dressing in schools plays a crucial role in enriching conversations
concerning gender diversity and inclusivity in the realm of education. Emphasizing the
significance of nurturing a school environment that values diversity and advocates for
the acceptance of individuals of all gender identities or expressions. By tackling
challenges like discrimination, bullying, and marginalization, these studies aid in
creating policies and methods that encourage equality and reverence towards every
student.
Purpose of the Study
Conducting a study on cross-dressing in schools serves multiple purposes. Firstly,
it seeks to analyze the impact of cross-dressing on students’ mental health and well-
being, taking into account the potential obstacles they may encounter within a school
setting. Secondly, it aims to comprehend how school policies and practices influence the
experiences of students who cross-dress, encompassing issues of acceptance,
discrimination, and support. Ours , study intends to investigate societal perceptions
towards cross-dressing in educational environments, and how these perceptions can
influence students’ feelings of belonging and self-expression. Furthermore, it aims to
explore the role of peer relationships and social dynamics in shaping students’ attitudes
towards cross-dressing, including instances of bullying or discrimination. Ultimately,
the overarching objective is to identify effective strategies that schools can adopt to
cultivate a more inclusive and supportive environment for students of all genders.
Research Questions
This study aims to explore the lived experiences, coping mechanism and personal insights
of Narratives of Senior High School Students on Crossdressing.
The following are the important questions that the researcher will evaluated.

1.How does the experience of cross-dressing in school impact individuals’ understanding

of gender identity and expression?

2.What coping mechanisms can students develop to navigate potential stigma,

discrimination, or misunderstanding while cross-dressing in school, drawing from their
personal experiences and insights?

3.What insights can students who have cross-dressed in school gain about societal norms,
stereotypes, and acceptance?
Theoretical Lens
Gender- Stereotyping Theory and Free Expression and , Identity according to Carlos A. Ball, gender
stereotyping theory, Freedom of expression, Identity 28 Wm. & Mary Bill Rts. J. 229 (2019) the ideals of
equality regarding gender stereotyping have expressive ramifications. Gender nonconforming people are
afforded protections not only for equality but also for their freedom of expression because government
agencies, bound by constitutional equal protection guarantees, and private entities, bound by sex
antidiscrimination statutes, are prohibited from treating employees and others differently based on how
those individuals, in effect, perform their gender.The feminist theorist Judith Butler is credited with
conceptualizing and developing the idea of gender as performance. In her widely read book Gender Trouble:
Feminism and the Subversion of Identity, Butler makes the case that actions have specific social meanings
and that these actions constitute gender in their entirety. She states, ”the action of gender requires a
performance that is repeated.”

Crossdressing has multiple connections to Gender-Stereotyping Theory, Free Expression, and Identity.
The idea of gender stereotyping can assist in presenting the normative argument for a more pluralistic
interpretation of equality, one that is based on the necessity of preserving the many and varied ways that
gender is represented or performed. This indicates that the gender-stereotyping theory may preserve
crossdressing as a gender identity expression. A key component of crossdressing is free expression. Cross-
dressing laws can be challenged on the grounds that they violate a person’s right to express their gender
identity through clothing. One’s choice of clothing can be defined as an expression of individual liberty and
autonomy or as an expressive statement protected under the right to freedom of expression.
Significance of the Study
Exploring cross-dressing in educational settings is of significant importance
as it has a profound impact on the academic environment and the development of
young individuals. Initially, it assists educators and school administrators in
recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by students engaged in
cross-dressing or those who identify beyond traditional gender norms. By
understanding these challenges, educational institutions can implement proactive
measures to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive environment that respects all
students. Additionally, the examination of cross-dressing in schools plays a vital
role in enhancing discussions surrounding gender diversity and inclusivity in
education. Stressing the importance of fostering a school climate that celebrates
diversity and advocates for the acceptance of individuals with varied gender
identities or expressions. By addressing issues such as discrimination, harassment,
and exclusion, schools can pave the way for a more equitable and supportive
learning environment.
Research Design
This research study documented a phenomenological approach in qualitative research design wherein the
researcher conducted an in-depth -interview (IDI) and focus group discussion (FGD) in Narratives of Senior High
School Students on Crossdressing in school. Having the freedom to express oneself, particularly through clothing
choices, has fostered the crossdressing trend, which poses the risk of individuals developing transvestic disorders.
This study employs qualitative methodologies utilizing a phenomenological framework to explore the catalysts for
crossdressing and strategies for regulating self-expression to deter transvestic behaviors. Through snowball
sampling methods, five male crossdressers were identified in the urban locale of Bandung.

Information was gathered via semi-structured interviews, non-participant observations, and documentation
analysis.According to the findings of the research, there are two identified factors that can instigate crossdressing
behavior: comprehending gender-neutral fashion and seeking emotional fulfillment (internal factors), along with
engaging in social interactions and encountering job opportunities (external factors). This highlights the
complexity of crossdressing beyond solely sexual motives, as not all individuals who engage in crossdressing
identify as transvestites. As a result, there are four proposed strategies for managing self-expression and averting
transvestic behaviors, which include recognizing crossdressing as a form of self-expression, setting personal
boundaries, understanding that attire does not invariably affect sexual desires, and seeking assistance from a
professional if deemed necessary.
Role of the Researchers
Researcher development ,the researcher is not only a producer of
knowledge, but also a learner and a contributor to the qualitative research
community. The researcher should engage in continuous professional
development, such as reading, writing, teaching, or attending workshops,
courses, or conferences on qualitative research. The researcher should also
seek feedback, collaboration, and mentorship from other qualitative
researchers, and participate in networks, forums, or associations that promote
and support qualitative research. The researcher should also reflect on their
own learning, challenges, and achievements, and identify their strengths and
areas for improvement as a qualitative researcher.
Research Participants
The participants of this study are the LGBTQ in Montevista Stand Alone Senior High
School participated in this study. These volunteers were chosen by the researcher because they
made sense for the analysis. Four (4) participants were chosen at random by the researcher for
the in-depth interview (IDI) and seven (7) participants were chosen for the focus group
discussion (FGD). For the study, there are eleven (11) individuals in total. There is no set
purpose for responding to the questions. Confidentiality is always respected, and the
participants provided their voluntary answers to the questions. There was an approximately 10-
15 minutes of participation between each participant depending on how they explain their
experiences, insights and coping mechanism on the subject of the study. Participants in this
study will be a member of LGBTQ who cross dress the rule of Montevista Stand Alone Senior
High School. The research participants include the students who cross-dress the rule of
schools.

Moreover, the researchers employed a purposive sampling technique to select

participants for this study. Purposive sampling is a non-probability sampling method where
elements chosen for the sample are based on the researcher’s judgment. This method can be
effective in situations where only a limited number of individuals can serve as primary data
sources based on the research design and objectives (Crossman, 2020).
 Data Collection
The researcher is the main instrument of data collection in qualitative research.
They interact directly with the participants, sources, or settings that provide the data.
The researcher should establish rapport, trust, and respect with the participants, and
be attentive, empathetic, and flexible during the data collection process. The
researcher should also use various techniques to record, document, and manage the
data, such as audio or video recording, note-taking, transcription, or coding. The
researcher should be aware of their own biases, assumptions, and expectations, and
reflect on how they may influence the data collection and interpretation.
 Data Analysis
Data analysis entails the exploration of various theories, frameworks, and methods utilized in the research process.
Qualitative data analysis is regarded as an interactive and reflexive procedure that commences during data collection
rather than post its completion (Stake, 1995). Following the documentation of responses from participants during in-
depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs), the researcher initiated the process of analyzing the gathered
information. It is noteworthy that participants were not compelled to respond in English; in cases where vernacular or
Filipino languages were utilized, researchers undertook the translation of participants’ responses into English.

Additionally, the response provided by the eleven (11) participants was examined utilizing thematic analysis, which
focuses on the identification, analysis, and interpretation of patterns of meaning (themes) within qualitative data.
Thematic analysis was applied to scrutinize the data related to the experiences, coping strategies, and insights of the
participants. Furthermore, individual narratives from the participants were consolidated and categorized into overarching
themes.

According to Braun and Clarke (2006), thematic analysis is considered a fundamental method for qualitative
analysis, as it equips researchers with essential skills for carrying out various other forms of qualitative analysis. This
method involves identifying, analyzing, structuring, describing, and presenting themes discovered within a set of data.
 References
Akdemir (2018)
Carlos A. Ball, 28 Wm. & Mary Bill Rts. J. 299(2019)
GLSEN (2019)
(Crossman , 2020)
Helpline (2016)
K.M. (1997)
(Stake, 1995)
Braun and Clarke (2006)
Thank You!