They're going to take my hair away! Help?

[Jessie]

I was recently sentenced to an Alternative school for a few months because of something really stupid. Anyway, from what I hear, they're going to make me cut my hair so that it's above my ears! I just can't lose my hair and I'm freaking out right now. They wouldn't cut a girl's hair off, but even if I told them I was trans they wouldn't understand what I was talking about. What can I do? D:

[LordKAT]

Unless your minor with parents deciding, how can they make you cut your hair? It is still a public school.

[Jessie]

Unless your minor with parents deciding, how can they make you cut your hair? It is still a public school.

If that's how it works, I'm going to be so happy, but that's what I keep hearing... I already know as a "boy" I have to wear a white shirt tucked in to black pants everyday.

[Lyric]

You might benefit from going public with your feelings of being transgender (if indeed that is the case). Some schools and communities are gradually becoming more sensitive to that. I'm wondering if that could even be related to the reason you are being "sentenced". You should talk to a councilor about this if you haven't already.

[Amy The Bookworm]

You should talk to a councilor about this if you haven't already.

^ I would suggest the above as well. Maybe even just one at school would help?

[musicofthenight]

+1

If not public, at least to someone you have a therapist-patient relationship with.  They're required to keep your secrets unless you're immediately going to hurt yourself or someone else.

(At least in the US; I don't know if and where you'd have that protection in the UK.)

Having one other person know is sooo much better than going it alone, especially if that person has some position of authority and can help advocate for you.

[Jessie]

+1

If not public, at least to someone you have a therapist-patient relationship with.  They're required to keep your secrets unless you're immediately going to hurt yourself or someone else.

(At least in the US; I don't know if and where you'd have that protection in the UK.)

Having one other person know is sooo much better than going it alone, especially if that person has some position of authority and can help advocate for you.

If I do that, my family will know... and I don't want that until I have the freedom to not be punished or spited by them for it.

[~RoadToTrista~]

My parents forced me to cut my hair every 6 months until I was a senior in high school. I was planning my transition so I viciously fought with them to let me keep it until they gave in. I've been growing it a little more than 2 years and I'm still not happy with the length, maybe if I straightened it.....

[suzifrommd]

Jessie, is there a local LGBT support organization? PFLAG, or a gay community center, or something? Even if it's some distance away, I think adult help and advice would benefit you.

[Ltl89]

I would suggest looking up the dress code of the school.  Some schools have fairly draconian dress code policies and hair may be a part of that.