A high school student in Georgia has taken himself out of school after a school administrator insisted that he dress more masculine. Rather than comply with this ridiculous mandate, Johnathan Escobar voluntarily withdrew himself and is now the center of quite a bit of media attention.
Escobar recently moved from Miami to Cobb County in order to live with his older sister because his parents took issue with his fashion choices. He is quick to point out that he doesn’t call himself a crossdresser, he dresses like a woman to express himself and considers it and art.
I really have an appreciation for people such as Johnathan that really step outside of what’s considered normal and refuse to be labeled. He maintains his stance that he wants to get his education but should be allowed to dress how he wants.
If you ever happen to read this Johnathan, I admire your strength and courage in standing up for something you believe in. All the best.
Some students at his school have started a facebook group in support of him, you can join it here.
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow! Those kids supporting Jonathan on the Facebook page are AMAZING in their acceptance of diversity! I hope they don’t ever “grow out of it” like so many former idealists of my own generation…
~~peace, Laika
I had the same reaction, the group was started by a girl in his school, how sweet
I think she’s sweet! More power to her. It’s about time our culture got over it’s obsession with a binary gender standard. This is supposed to be a free country. If I’m not mistaken, I seem to recall something about Life, Liberty, And The Pursuit Of Happiness.
Melissa
Well said, couldn’t agree with you more
My hat goes off to Johnathan, I just wish I had his courage when I was in school, Things may have been different, who knows? It’s a downer whats happening but it still at the same time it does me good to know that it seems that the narrowmindedness comes from a few people in the scool board. Had something similar up this neck of the woods only had to do with an elementary school student who is transgendered and there is a lot more hate attached to the situation. I’ll send you the article if I find it again Jess.
Same here, I think he is courageous especially in high school where it’s so difficult to be yourself and stand out from the crowd.
This guy has cahones! Good for him. If he is this sure and confident of himself at such a young age, his life can only get better. Not that I wear women’s clothing (okay there was that ONE time…okay, okay, maybe twice), but I can’t imagine having gone to school dressed like that. More power to him! With all the peer pressure that teens deal with today, and this kid standing up to The Powers That Be…THIS KID IS GOING PLACES!!
Especially in small town Georgia, that makes him even more brave in my opinion
Try this one in your next Mainstream Crosdressing:
Can you immagine if a popular football player tried this now? He’d be villified. The one downside, he makes sure to say “I don’t wear pantyhose”.
Thanks so much B! http://www.jessica-who.com/2009/10/mainstream-crossdressing-joe-namath/
I haven’t heard about this story and I live in Cobb County. I feel he has a right to dress anyway he wants as long as it is in compliance with acceptable dress the girls need to follow. It’s a shame our society has become so contentious and hateful that freedom of expression, even those within acceptable limits, can be trampled due to the temporary uncomfortable of some petty little nobody.
I’m sorry. I should have obtained more of the facts before spouting off like I did. I do agree that he should be allowed to wear female clothing as long as it is within school dress code for girls. I’m not sure how I feel about the wig issue but it is not a huge issue one way or another. On the restroom issue, unless he has had sex reassignment surgery, I feel he should use the facultyadministration restrooms they assigned him to. I have to say that Jonathan was too quick to draw a line in the sand on this issue and should have had that initial meeting with the school’s administrators where a compromise could have been reached.
Sorry Leigh, But I have to disagree with you on the restroom thing. Escobar is a girl, in spite of her first name, and what is between her legs. As long as she is presenting herself as a girl, she should be allowed to use the girl’s restroom. In most companies with a pro-transgender policy, pre-op transsexuals are allowed to use the ladies room, when they are presenting as females. It shouldn’t be any different for TG kids in school.
Melissa
The kid has shutzpa… and a nice hat! Best of luck Jonathan.
(I also agree with Laika in hoping that these generations continue to uphold belief and ideals of freedom.)
Nice website!.
Brielle
Good for Jonathan. And a cheerful for those who support him.
When did he say he was a transsexual?
We have a transgendered girl in the local school system and she is accepted just fine. Shes rather cute if I do say so myself.Maybe small town Nevada is more diverse. Could it be what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas or are other places catching on?