Teen claims school's bodysuit ban is about gender identity

ALondon, Ont., teenager is challenging theirschools dress code, arguing that banning themfrom wearing theirlycra bodysuit to class is more a human rights issue connected to theirgender identity than a matter of appropriate fashion.

Maxwell Stewart, 17, said the school's decision to ban theirmade-to-measure bodysuit was about theiridentity. Stewart recently came out as androgynous which means Stewartdoesnt identify as strictly maleor femalebut rather gender-neutral.

Stewart was told the bodysuit didnt adhere to the dress code of London Central Secondary School.

It came up that it was the crotch bulge, like the imprint, which I dont think is especially noticeable, Stewart said.

Stewart feels most comfortable in the multi-coloured onesie, and the presence of other very popular form-fitting or revealing clothes like yoga pants and midriff showing shirts makes them feel singled out, Stewart said.

But Karen Edgar, superintendent with the Thames Valley District School Board, said that Stewarts gender identity has nothing to do with the ban that reflects a dress code applicable to all students.

Any student wearing clothing that is too revealing is asked to cover up in fact we celebrate the individual differences of our students, Edgar said.

The Thames Valley board already has a set of guidelines put in place that mandate the inclusion ofLGBT students a policythat is unique in Ontario.

Trans-youth activist and councillor Michelle Boyce helped advise on the rule book.

A lot of transphobia is buried beneath other excuses, like dress codes, Boyce said.

Lets face it, if you put 40 people in a room, youre going to get 50 different opinions on whats appropriate clothing-wise.

Boyce doesnt see a problem withStewarts chosen outfit if its not getting in the way of their, or other students', academic success.

For now the school said thatStewart can either wear the bodysuit with shorts or a T-shirt on top or get a less form-fitting one.

As terrible as an experience as this has been, it has sort of helped me really accept who I am, Stewartsaid.