By Leandra Levine . My name is Leandra Levine. I am a performance artist, a medical student, and the first transgender graduate of the Carlos Pellegrini Higher School of Commerce. This last point is very important. Being the first means setting a precedent. It means that we have progressed as a society, that there is less hostility toward our identities , that there are more and more institutions that protect us. And above all, it is extremely important for new generations of trans people, for transgender children who want to grow up safely, without violence of any kind because of their identity. Being a teenager and facing the world is already very complicated. Imagine if we add to that a dissatisfaction with one's own being, an imposed identity that doesn't allow one's own authenticity to flow . And all of that, in a space with other teenagers with their own insecurities. If a school is unaware of the issues affecting these young people, it is allowing discrimination and aggression to occur, perpetuating a major social problem that haunts us, makes us vulnerable, renders us invisible, and prevents these young people from receiving adequate support on their path of growth and development as individuals at a crucial age. Schools play a fundamental role in identity formation, of which gender and sexuality are pillars. It is absolutely essential that schools are prepared to support their students when issues of sexual and gender diversity arise. Because outside of this institution, the world is not ready; it is not a safe place. Secondary school is where gender issues most frequently surface, and it is the ideal age to address these unresolved issues. Therefore, schools need to have various resources available for these situations. There must be professionals trained in gender issues, psychologists, and all teachers must be trained to understand and support these young people.

At Pellegrini, these situations are addressed and handled very well. All teaching and non-teaching staff are respectful, and there are teachers and psychologists trained to handle them.

In the five years I was at school, I never experienced any violence or bullying. As I grew up and discovered my identity, I was able to embrace it with confidence and pride. And I was never afraid of how people would take it or what I might have to face. I could go out wearing makeup, a wig, heels, and painted nails, and it was always accepted and even celebrated. I've never even been ridiculed; I could let myself be admired by others. Furthermore, I must highlight their helpfulness and speed when I explained that I am processing my new ID card so I can change my diploma, allowing me to graduate as who I truly am. I want to set a precedent for new generations, so they see they are not alone, that they are not the only ones. By existing and being present, we raise awareness in our environment and change our reality for the better.

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Being the first transgender graduate of Pellegrini is a privilege for me. I consider myself privileged to have had an excellent education, a supportive environment, and a family that has accepted me and given me love throughout my life.I share an identity with many but not stories. There have been so many throughout history who haven't had, and still don't have, the same luck. They are the ones who matter.Through all the suffering of our community, I speak, and proudly show this new reality that, among other things, is managing to eradicate hatred and suffering for everyone from now on. My story itself is not important, because the next day I'm going to continue studying, I'm going to continue being an artist. The stories of those who have suffered and continue to suffer matter. The stories of those who continue to live under a harmful regime that only segregates. What matters is the event itself and the visibility it brings to all of our stories. Together, they are paving the way to a future where we no longer have to fight against the injustices that plague us. A future where all identities are valid, equal, with equal rights, and united, without distinction. Because today it's news that I'm being received, and we must seize this opportunity so that one day it will no longer be something extraordinary, but a common reality. Now, let's keep reclaiming our spaces! We'll meet again when I'm the first trans plastic surgeon. If you have any questions, you can contact me via Facebook at Leandra Atenea Levine Hidalgo or via Instagram at @laleandraok.

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