In Spain, teachers wear skirts in class in solidarity with an expelled student and thus fight against gender stereotypes.
The teachers hand in hand with the students. In Spain, a social movement, #laropanotienegenero, (in French: “Clothes do not have a gender”) has gone viral on social networks in recent days. Why ? In October 2020, a young boy from Bilbao, Mikel Gomez, was fired for wearing a skirt to school. On TikTok, he had indicated that he wanted to show his support for feminism and diversity. Since then, the whole country has embarked on a fight against gender stereotypes.
“20 years ago, I suffered persecution and insults because of my sexual orientation in the high school where I am now a teacher … Many teachers looked away. I want to join the cause of the ‘student, Mikel, who was expelled and sent to the psychologist for going to class with a skirt, ” said Jose Piñas, professor, in 2020.
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At the beginning of May 2021, professors Manuel Ortega and Borja Velazquez started wearing a skirt in class, after one of their students was the victim of homophobic bullying, reports METRO.com. The pupil wore a cartoon t-shirt at Virgen de Sacedon Primary School in Valladolid. For the two teachers, their gesture is part of a perspective of “promote tolerance”.
“A school that educates in respect, diversity, co-education and tolerance. Dress as you want! We are joining the campaign“tweeted Manuel Ortega, relayed by SUBWAY. Asked in El Pais, the pair explained that their decision to wear skirts wasn’t just about creating a viral moment on social media. They wanted “increase tolerance and respect “ while inviting other teachers to do the same. An initiative echoing the famous “day of the skirt” in France.