High school boys in Connecticut are finding themselves at the center of a cultural crossfire, as society continues to grapple with evolving perspectives on gender identity. A prime example of this tension played out at Brookfield High School, where the installation of a tampon dispenser in the boys’ bathroom was promptly torn down.
In line with Connecticut’s state law requiring free menstrual products to be supplied in at least one male bathroom in every high school, the dispenser was installed to cater to transgender and intersex students. This action, however, was met with refusal by some boys – a reaction that elicited the ire of Principal Marc Balanda. His view, though, was met with dissent, signaling the ongoing battle between traditional and progressive views on gender identity education in schools.
Critics suggest that calls for dialogue feel lopsided, consisting mainly of educators attempting to re-adjust entrenched views on gender identity, perceived by some student as heavy-handed. These students feel that their comfort and views are being disregarded in favor of enforcing LGBT inclusivity criteria.