UK transgender teenager sues ex-school for discrimination

A British teen transgender is taking legal action against his former school for discrimination, the media reported.

Aidan, 16, who was born female, claimed that he was effectively excluded because Hereford Cathedral School, Herefordshire, refused to let him wear a boy's uniform, the BBC reported on Wednesday.

When Aidan told the school he did not want to be addressed as a girl or wear girl's clothes, he claimed the staff said it was a "phase" that he would grow out of.

He said he was told he was "attention seeking".

"They didn't really take it seriously," Aidan added.

This was despite the support of his mother, Jackie, as he began his transition.

"They made my child out to be a freak and someone who would contaminate other students," she claimed.

A letter from Jackie to the school's chair of governors said she had no choice but to remove him from the school after being told the school was "inadequately prepared to accommodate Aidan's needs and give him the high level of support and pastoral care that he deserves".

In a statement, Hereford Cathedral School said: "The continued happiness, wellbeing and safety of our pupils is the top priority.

"The family's grievances against the school are the subject of current legal proceedings. For that reason the school is unable to discuss any details relating to this matter at the present time, other than to state that it will defend its position in the proceedings."

--IANS

ksk/vm