The administration has confirmed that Lincoln will be permitted to participate in the Mr. Debonair pageant this year. Seeing this outcome reminds me that persistent advocacy creates space for everyone to be recognized as they are. We have achieved what we set out to do, and I am grateful to …
March 11, 2016
Final supporters
Lincoln Ripley is a transgender student at Klein Oak HS in Houston, Texas. He recently expressed interest in representing his Gender and Sexuality Alliance Club in the school's annual Mr. Debonair fundraiser pageant. However, the administrative staff denied him the option of participating, using the excuse 'not wanting to invite tension to a fun event'. We believe this is a weak cover-up for obvious transphobia. If enough support is gathered, we believe the administration will change their mind and allow him to participate.
Updates
January 22, 2016
Seeing one hundred people validate the importance of Lincoln participating in the pageant is deeply heartening. This initial milestone confirms that many others recognize the necessity of inclusion within our school community.
Reached 1,000 supporters
January 21, 2016
Reached 100 supporters
January 19, 2016
166 Comments
honestly KO, do you realize how incredibly immature it is for you to deny Link the right to participate? He is a male, therefore he should be allowed to enter. Best of luck to you Link!
This is the 21st century. We are not in back woods Alabama. We are in an area of diversity. In a city that had a lesbian mayor. In a city that is welcoming of all. Why is it that this school isn't welcoming of all? I know there are many legislatures and state board of education members that would be appalled to hear this is taking place.
You go Lincoln!!!! As a former KO student I am appalled you even have to petition to be in the Mr. Debonair pageant. You have as much of a right as the other boys! You keep fighting for yourself and never let someone bring you down!
at my high school we allowed transgendered people onto our prom court and it was greeted with absolutely no tension- instead with open minds and accepting students. To disallow a transgendered person to participate is moving backwards, not forwards.
As a KO alumn, the Klein Oak I know has been accepting and welcoming of all. Since graduating, I've only seen it become exclusive and divisive with all the stories about amazing teachers leaving and quality of the student experience declining. It seems it's time for the administration to reevaluate and redeem.
This isn't phobia. The only phobia here is Sarah accepting her real sexuality. A GIRL!!
you're a grown man harassing a 16 year old boy about his gender. please get some perspective
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
The administration has confirmed that Lincoln will be permitted to participate in the Mr. Debonair pageant this year. Seeing this outcome reminds me that persistent advocacy creates space for everyone to be recognized as they are. We have achieved what we set out to do, and I am grateful to …
March 11, 2016
Final supporters
Lincoln Ripley is a transgender student at Klein Oak HS in Houston, Texas. He recently expressed interest in representing his Gender and Sexuality Alliance Club in the school's annual Mr. Debonair fundraiser pageant. However, the administrative staff denied him the option of participating, using the excuse 'not wanting to invite tension to a fun event'. We believe this is a weak cover-up for obvious transphobia. If enough support is gathered, we believe the administration will change their mind and allow him to participate.
Updates
January 22, 2016
Seeing one hundred people validate the importance of Lincoln participating in the pageant is deeply heartening. This initial milestone confirms that many others recognize the necessity of inclusion within our school community.
Reached 1,000 supporters
January 21, 2016
Reached 100 supporters
January 19, 2016
166 Comments
Omitting trans men from pagents like this is discriminatory and shows lack of social acceptance, as well as blatant disrespect to the validity of the trans community, as it perpetuates the idea that trans men and women are not "real" because of what they were designated at birth.
honestly KO, do you realize how incredibly immature it is for you to deny Link the right to participate? He is a male, therefore he should be allowed to enter. Best of luck to you Link!
This is the 21st century. We are not in back woods Alabama. We are in an area of diversity. In a city that had a lesbian mayor. In a city that is welcoming of all. Why is it that this school isn't welcoming of all? I know there are many legislatures and state board of education members that would be appalled to hear this is taking place.
You go Lincoln!!!! As a former KO student I am appalled you even have to petition to be in the Mr. Debonair pageant. You have as much of a right as the other boys! You keep fighting for yourself and never let someone bring you down!
at my high school we allowed transgendered people onto our prom court and it was greeted with absolutely no tension- instead with open minds and accepting students. To disallow a transgendered person to participate is moving backwards, not forwards.
As a KO alumn, the Klein Oak I know has been accepting and welcoming of all. Since graduating, I've only seen it become exclusive and divisive with all the stories about amazing teachers leaving and quality of the student experience declining. It seems it's time for the administration to reevaluate and redeem.
This isn't phobia. The only phobia here is Sarah accepting her real sexuality. A GIRL!!
you're a grown man harassing a 16 year old boy about his gender. please get some perspective
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
Omitting trans men from pagents like this is discriminatory and shows lack of social acceptance, as well as blatant disrespect to the validity of the trans community, as it perpetuates the idea that trans men and women are not "real" because of what they were designated at birth.