A Mississippi high school congratulated a graduating senior as salutatorian using a deadname and posted a photo of him in a U.S. Army Junior ROTC uniform. Comments on the post criticized the caption for not respecting the student’s gender identity. Some commenters also alleged the school altered the image, including claims that a digital edit removed or changed facial features to make the student appear more feminine. LGBTQ+ advocates shared additional information and images that appeared to support the allegation. The controversy centered on recognition for academic achievement alongside disrespect for identity and potential manipulation of the student’s appearance.
"“Pride. Tradition. Excellence. Congratulations to our DHS Salutatorian, [deadname] Hole!” the post reads. “Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence have truly paid off. You have set the standard through your perseverance, leadership, and determination, and we could not be more proud of all you have accomplished.”"
"“Jonas. His name is Jonas. I hope you fix your guys' caption,” one user wrote. “Imagining diminishing a child's accomplishments like this,” another commented. Another commenter described the school's post as “disingenuous,” considering its disregard for the grad's identity. “All of that recognition for his hard work, dedication, commitment to excellence, setting standards, determination, countless hours of effort etc. All of this is just disingenuous when you can't do the bare minimum and respect JONAS,” they wrote."
"Responding to the photo included in the post, Michaela Boffman suggested the school “photoshopped his mustache off to make him look more 'feminine,'” according to The Advocate. Biloxi drag performer and LGBTQ+ advocate Tara Shay Montgomery shared a photo with the outlet that seemed to confirm Boffman's accusation. The selfie shows Hole in"
Read at LGBTQ Nation
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