News
CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
Scroll To Top
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
The gay Texas teen suspended for wearing nail polish to school turned the tables on the school board that punished him. Trevor Wilkinson, a senior at Clyde High School, had been placed on in-school suspension last month for a dress code violation when he wore fingernail polish to class. While the school board did not change their policy that forbids boys from wearing making or nail polish, local ABC affiliate KTXS12 reported it did get a much need education in affirmation and diversity.
"This isn't about me anymore," Wilkinson said from the podium at a school board meeting. "It's about a discriminatory, sexist policy that needs to be changed."
After getting suspended from school in the west Texas town of Clyde, Wilkinson posted a video where he broke down in tears explaining what happened to him and providing contact information for the school.
\u201c#LGBTQ #LGBTQIAfamily @clydecisd\u201d— Michelle (@Michelle) 1607110551
The video went viral and he started a Change.org petition to change the school policy. The school's dress code forbids boys from wearing makeup and nail polish but has no such ban on girls.
"I got ISS (in school suspension) for having my nails painted," he wrote last month. "I was told that I will continue to get ISS until I take them off. It's a complete double standard because girls are allowed to paint and get their nails done."
Wilkinson delivered the same message just as forcefully at the school board meeting.
"Why is it against dress code for a man to be comfortable with his masculinity and defy the gender norms society has imposed on us?" Wilkinson questioned the board, noting they had taken away his education over the dispute. "Why is it harmful for me to wear nail polish? If it's not harmful for girls to wear it, why is it harmful for males?"
He pointed out how the double-standard damages LGBTQ+ students, and challenged the board to be open to change and accepting of ideas that are at odds with their traditional beliefs.
"Traditional values are great, but change is inevitable," he said. "Diversity is what makes this country so beautiful."
The school board did not change its policy, instead noting that the dress code is reviewed each year and they see no reason to take a look at the problem now.
Superintendent Kenny Berry issued a statement saying he expected Wilkinson and all other students to follow the rules.
RELATED | 4 Teachers Suspended For Homophobic Comments About Lesbian Coworker
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
38 Male Celebs Who Did Full Frontal Scenes
November 17 2023 5:18 PM
These are all the celebrities Who came out as LGBTQ+ in 2023
December 31 2023 12:19 PM
29 LGBTQ+ celebs you can follow on OnlyFans
April 18 2024 1:00 PM
26 actors who showed bare ass in movies & TV shows
February 28 2024 1:50 PM
16 times male celebrities had to say they weren't gay
April 17 2024 11:57 AM
21 LGBTQ+ reality dating shows & where to watch them
April 03 2024 4:01 PM
15 Unforgettable Gay Kissing Scenes From TV & Movies
February 14 2024 10:20 AM
14 queens who quit or retired from drag after 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
April 04 2024 12:56 PM
40 steamy celebrity Calvin Klein ads we'll always be thirsty for
January 04 2024 10:54 AM
The 15 Best LGBTQ+ Movies of 2023
December 04 2023 10:32 AM
Watch Now: Advocate Channel
Trending Stories & News
For more news and videos on advocatechannel.com, click here.
Trending Stories & News
For more news and videos on advocatechannel.com, click here.
Latest Stories
April 22, 2024
21h
Meet Ludmilla, the queer Black Latina singer who conquered Coachella
April 20 2024 9:34 PM
Watch the 'Drag Race' season 16 finalists react to the winning queen's crowning
April 20 2024 3:56 PM
Here's how 'Drag Race' fans can buy Sasha Colby's line of ponytail extensions
April 19 2024 10:23 PM
The 'Drag Race' season 16 finale just made Miss Congeniality herstory
April 19 2024 9:38 PM
Here's who won 'RuPaul's Drag Race' season 16
April 19 2024 9:31 PM
'Drag Race All Stars 9' was finally announced—here's when & where to watch
April 19 2024 8:16 PM
Taylor Swift is tortured & Willow Smith has big feelings on this New Music Friday
April 19 2024 5:36 PM