📌 NOTE:

This petition is fully legal and protected by Section 17 of the South African Constitution, which gives every person the right to protest, petition, and express themselves peacefully. Signing this petition is a lawful way to speak out — you cannot get in trouble for adding your name to support someone’s rights.

✊🏽 Sign this petition to show your support and demand change.

We, the learners and community members of Bernadino Heights High School are calling for accountability and justice after a learner was discriminated against based on his sexuality during a recent school beauty contest.

A gay male student, who identifies and is accepted by his peers as part of the girls' group, was initially allowed to model with the girls. However, on the day of the event, the school principal intervened and told him he could no longer model with the girls. This decision was made last-minute, despite him having already prepared his clothing and practiced with the girls' group.

The learner was called into the office alone, without a parent or guardian present, and was told by the principal:

"Think of all the backlash I would get if you were to model with the girls."

This left the learner feeling unsupported, embarrassed, and emotionally hurt — and he broke down in tears.

This situation was not only unfair and deeply harmful, but it also violated this learner’s:

• Right to equality and dignity (Section 9 & 10 of the Constitution)

• Right to freedom of expression (Section 16)

• Right to protection and inclusivity in schools (South African Schools Act)

Despite this mistreatment, the learner went on to win the title of Mr B*, showing that he had the full support of his peers and deserved to express himself freely.

We are demanding:

• A full investigation into the principal’s conduct.

• A formal apology to the learner.

• Sensitivity and LGBTQ+ inclusivity training for school leadership and staff.

• The development and enforcement of clear, inclusive policies to protect learners of all gender identities and sexual orientations.

Schools should be safe, accepting environments for all learners — regardless of their identity. We stand united against discrimination, and we believe that no learner should ever feel ashamed or excluded simply for being who they are.