A Thai university’s new dress code includes uniforms for trans students

There are pros and cons to attending a school with a mandatory dress code. Pro: You never have to worry about what to wear. Con: Well, uniforms for one. But also the fact that schools often require their students to wear uniforms with pretty specific guidelines about what is considered to be gender appropriate.

Well now Bangkok University in Thailand is changing all the rules and expanding the dress code to make space for trans uniforms within the university’s dress code criteria. Basically, no more gendered uniforms and students can choose the uniforms they think best fit their style and gender.

Bangkok University announced the change to its dress code policy on their official Facebook page earlier this week. As mentioned, the change gives students the freedom to choose their school uniform which in turn makes it possible for those who may identify as a different gender to dress in the manner and style in which they feel most comfortable.

The new uniform gives “ladyboys” and “tomboys” uniform guidelines so they can dress according to school code, but also feel comfortable in the clothes.

The public response to this change has been a positive one. “I am very glad to hear that this university lets the students choose the uniform which fits their desire and their gender,” said Nok Yollada, President of the Transgender Female Association of Thailand, in an interview with BBC News.

Not only is this a step in the right direction for transgender students, but it’s a great step away from the perpetuation of the assumption that girls should always wear skirts and boys should wear pants. As long as the clothing is school-appropriate (which in Thailand means a uniform), students should get to rock any clothing combination they want to. We love the message of acceptance and understanding that this decision sends out, not just in Thailand but to the rest of the world too.

[Featured image via.]