The young man from Corrientes set social media ablaze this week when he recounted how the authorities at Saint Patrick College wouldn't let him attend his graduation dressed as he wanted. The organization 100% Diversity and Rights filed a complaint with INADI (National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism) and shared statistics on school bullying based on sexual orientation. Gerónimo Aquino had been planning his graduation party for six months. Six months fantasizing about what would be one of the most important nights of his life, six months trying on outfits in front of the mirror: a white guipure lace dress, and as a backup plan, a black sequined suit and feathered wings. But the administrators of Saint Patrick College, the most expensive and prestigious school in Corrientes, wanted nothing to do with his attire. They said it wasn't "appropriate" or "suitable for a reception." “I wanted to be happy, to be myself, to wear clothes that reflected who I am,” the 17-year-old told Presentes . This week, his Facebook post became the center of media attention when it was shared widely. In it, he denounced threats from the school about the consequences of dressing as he pleased: he could miss his graduation party, or worse, lose his diploma.

Because of the impact of the incident, the school's administrative director, Maximiliano Kuglera – son of the general director, Viviana Hollywel – called him on the phone: “He told me it was disrespectful and hung up on me, without letting me explain anything,” Gerónimo told Presentes .

“With a lot of anger,” Gerónimo felt forced to buy a “heterosexual suit” so he could attend the party and receive his diploma. “But that wasn’t enough for the principal. He arrived at the party around 1:30 in the morning and turned his back on me,” he added. After all the commotion, the school, far from backing down, said in a statement: “On the eve of the graduation ceremony, he expressed his desire to wear an outfit with feathers and wings. We asked him, in the informal way we treat each other, to respect and enhance the ceremony with the formal attire customary at these events… we never imagined he would interpret it as discrimination against his gender identity. Gerónimo attended his graduation, impeccably dressed.” His classmates and teachers, on the other hand, congratulated him that night for his courage. “There will always be someone who doesn’t like what you do, but I think you have to keep going, that’s your essence,” Gerónimo told PresentsThe young man plans to move to Buenos Aires next year to study Business Administration and Marketing. “My mom and dad love me, support me, and want me to be happy,” he added. He recounted that in Corrientes, many people think like the administrators at his school. Some time ago, at a friend's graduation party, he had a similar problem: “First, they wouldn't let me in because they didn't know if I was a boy or a girl, so they didn't know which line I should be in. Then, before I went in, they told me, ‘I understand why you're like this; you were probably raped as a child.’ That's how many people think.”

The complaint before INADI

In the case of Gerónimo Aquino, the organization 100% Diversity and Rights filed a complaint with INADI (National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism) against the authorities of Saint Patrick College for discrimination based on sexual orientation. “The authorities’ decision violates the human right to free expression of gender, as well as the right to education and freedom of expression, and becomes an act that legitimizes and perpetuates violence and social stigma against sexual and gender diversity,” the document states. The complaint adds that the matter is even more serious because “it comes from an educational institution, and the authorities hold positions of power and a duty to care for and educate citizens.” The organization asked the state agency to intervene to guarantee students respect for their sexual orientation and the full exercise of their right to free gender identity and expression. They also requested reparations for Gerónimo and training for the school's administrative and teaching staff. Verónica Silberman, from 100% Diversity and Rights in Corrientes, who accompanied Gerónimo to the party, pointed out that “the fundamental thing is not to normalize discrimination, and that the school and the educational system in general incorporate the perspective of respect for sexual and gender diversity.”

The statistics on bullying 

A survey on-line A study conducted by 100% Diversity and Rights on the climate of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in Argentine secondary schools raises concerns about the situation. The report will be published in the coming months. Presents The report presents some figures: - More than 70% of LGBTQ+ youth, between 13 and 18 years old, were verbally harassed because of their sexual orientation. - 54.1% felt insecure about how they expressed their gender. - 67.8% were verbally harassed because of their gender expression. - 32.5% were physically harassed. - 13% were physically attacked. - More than half of the students said they did not report the harassment to staff, and among those who did, more than a third (42.7%) found the response to be completely ineffective. The figures are higher in the Northeast region, where Corrientes is located, while the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires has lower percentages. One of the worst places for these young people is gym class. This was indicated by 34.8% of those surveyed. But also bathrooms: “These are the places where what supposedly corresponds to a female body and a male body is stipulated,” points out Ricardo Vallarino, vice president of 100% Diversity and Rights. Vallarino, who worked on the survey, highlighted the importance of making relational violence visible within institutional settings: “What Gerónimo did—explaining what happened, having the courage not to be framed—has a positive impact; it creates a sense of connection. In this case, the boy has a very supportive environment: his family, teachers, and friends, and conditions improve, but there are many cases where those conditions are lacking.” He also emphasized the need for the State to promote the implementation of the Comprehensive Sex Education Law (ESI) and train teachers in respecting the human rights of the LGBTQ+ community.