Precious Grace Nery 
Our society has started to embrace the importance of gender inclusivity, yet it is disheartening to see educational spaces that appear resistant to this progress.
In aims of reflecting the expectation that future educators present a professional and polished image as role models for their students, the College of Education of Samar State University has long maintained a grooming standard for its fourth-year students or pre-service teachers, including uniform attire and hairstyle standards for both men and women.
On the surface, this policy appears innocuous. However, its practical application to transgender students, particularly trans women left with no choice but to follow masculine guidelines, reveals a troubling dissonance between policy and principle.
Every individual possesses a unique identity deserving of respect. As transgender students are no exception, they should be afforded the same fundamental right to self-expression as everyone else. Forcing them to conform to gender stereotypes through hair length regulations constitutes a form of discrimination that can inflict significant psychological harm. It invalidates their gender identity and contributes to feelings of alienation, dysphoria, and a reduced sense of belonging.
Despite this, along with male students, trans women are mandated to have short hair, at least a pixie haircut, as mentioned in the general assembly on Tuesday, to secure the acting college dean’s signature on their student clearance, a required step for senior enrollment.
Having maintained her long hair since eighth grade, Andrie Flores, an incoming fourth-year Bachelor of Physical Education student and reigning Queen Manaragat 2023 expressed the impact of this policy to her gender expression, “Why is there a need to cut our hair when we are the ones who are mostly active in participating and leading in school? Tapos mawawarayan la kompyansa kay igpapaarot la an buhok — asya iton an impact ha akon, ha amon, in general. Kun iisipon ko nga since Grade 8 ako, halaba na nak buhok tas papaarotan la, it’s so sad.”
“Baga’t wawarayan ak pagkakakilanlan ngan kompyansa ha ak kalugaringon and I think maapektuhan iton it akon involvement [in school]… We are presentable and professional-looking even with our long hair ngan diri man makakasagabal nam buhok ha pagtutdo namon ha internship o as a pre-service teacher ha mga estudyante. Let us express our true selves. Let the LGBTQIA+ students teach,” Flores further stressed.
Moreover, Lara Moreno, the reigning Queen SSU – Build 2024 and an incoming third-year Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English student also shared that throughout her years of schooling, this ongoing struggle has “deeply influenced her self-esteem and self-perception.”
“The opportunity to express myself authentically through my attire empowers me to feel more confident, align my outward appearance with my inner self, and cultivate a sense of authenticity and self-assurance. Embracing my preferred uniform allows me to enhance my self-confidence, assert my individuality, and navigate academic life with a stronger sense of self and empowerment,” Moreno said.
Being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, she also stated that she has “frequently felt alone and excluded due to school restrictions about uniforms.”
“I feel alone and unsupported because of the uniform policy’s lack of inclusivity and understanding, which ignores and disrespects the variety of identities present in the school community. These incidents have brought to light how crucial it is to develop more welcoming and inclusive policies that honor and value each student’s individual identity and mode of expression, especially those of the LGBTQIA+ community,” the Queen SSU – Build 2024 expressed.
While individual experiences vary, these attestations capture common views shared by many trans students at our college. Surely, rules are rules. Adherence to these is vital for maintaining order, yet it should not come at the expense of human rights. When faced with a rule that compromises these rights, a careful reevaluation is necessary.
Educational institutions have a moral obligation to protect the gender rights of all students, including those in the LGBTQIA+ community, to create a safe and equitable learning environment. As would-be teachers, we are taught the significance of creating supportive and safe spaces for all students. Yet, how can we authentically advocate for these values when the experiences of our own are marred by rejection?
It is time to move beyond mere tolerance and embrace genuine acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly our transgender peers. Allowing them to wear their preferred uniforms and express their gender identity through hairstyles is a concrete step towards creating the inclusive environments we aspire to cultivate.
Now, do you think the “home of the champions” is ready to champion genuine acceptance and inclusivity?
