Gay Student Says He’ll Keep Cross-Dressing

A gay high school student suspended several times for wearing a dress, makeup and a wig to class says he has no plans to change his wardrobe.

“This is who I am,” said 15-year-old Matt Stickney, who showed up Friday with a black top and a pink, red, and green flowered skirt. “If they’re going to kick me out every day of the week, this is going to happen every day.”

Administrators say the outfits worn by the Burlington High School sophomore disrupt class and therefore violate the district’s dress code.

About 100 students cut class to protest the suspensions, with some boys wearing pink lipstick and girls wearing white button-down shirts and ties.