The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) is calling for the introduction of unisex uniforms in Ireland's primary schools in an effort to make the classroom more inclusive for children who have gender dysphoria.
Gender dysphoria or gender identity disorder (GID) is the term used by psychologists to describe people who do not identify as the sex they were assigned at birth.
According to the
Sunday Independent, teachers are supporting an end to the traditional pinafore/trousers divide, which Peter Mullan, assistant general secretary of INTO claims is reflective of a changing society.
Mr Mullan has called for state guidelines for teachers on working with transgender children, as well as the urgent rollout of a national policy on the issue. He also supports the introduction of transgender toilets in schools for children as young as four years old.
Mr Mullan told the newspaper: "Schools have to prepare children for accepting difference at various points along a transition. I think everything should be done from an early age."
Last week, Gloucester mum Emma Symonds (34)
revealed that her four-year-old son Logan has believed he is female since he was 18-months-old.
Now, as Logan and his brother Alfie get accustomed to big school, Emma has chosen to support him in his decision to wear a traditionally female uniform.
"Letting Logan wear a pinafore to school was a big step for us all." Emma told The Irish Mirror.
"I've been letting him live as a girl and wear girls' clothes since he turned three, and a couple of months ago I agreed he could grow his hair long. During Easter half-term he told me he wanted to wear a dress to school, to be like all the other girls."
According to the
HSE, roughly one in 4,000 people in Ireland is receiving medical help for gender identity issues but there may be many more who have not sought support. On average, men are diagnosed with gender dysphoria five times more often than women.
Do you agree with the introduction of unisex uniforms and bathrooms? Let us know on Twitter @HerFamilydotie. For more information and family support, visit theTransgender Equality Network Ireland website.
