Key Tips

1. Review your counterclaims, find its flaws and how it can be defended or revised.
2. Anticipate the possible claims and prepare for possible rebuttals.
3. Focus on their reasonings and force them to provide more explanation regarding
them.
4. Listen and note down their mistakes in detail, focus on them in the beginning of your
counterclaim. e.g. “Mr./Ms. Preposition speaker no. 1, you stated that ……, but, how do
you say so? (Explanation of why you are against their idea).”

Possible Counterarguments

1. Cross Dressing and Transgender are not the same.

- The problem with the term Cross Dressing is people immediately think about the LGBT
community when they hear or read it-this explains why Transgender women are directly
affected by No Cross-Dressing policies 99% of the time. By definition, Cross Dressing means
to wear clothing typical of the opposite sex and Transgender means identified with a gender
other than the biological one. They may be connected, but they do not have the same meaning.
Unfortunately, these terms are often confused and misused.

Counterargument #1
Although it is a part of the community’s identity, Cross Dressing is not directly
synonymous to the LGBTQIA+ community. Educational institutions allow and accept the
members of the LGBTQIA+ to express their own ideas, opinions, and rights. However,
there are limitations to the amount of freedom that are given to them, just like every
student. An excess of freedom could lead to deviance and its consequences. According to
Durkheim’s functionalist theory regarding deviance, deviance is inevitable and a necessity in
some scenarios, but it is a must to regulate them to live in a well-functioning society, specifically,
in schools. For example, Jacobs (2013) stressed that over 600 colleges and universities in the
U.S. have adopted nondiscrimination policies to cover gender expression. However, high
schools and middle schools are struggling with these issues when it comes to locker rooms,
bathrooms and athletic fields since it disrupts the learning environment. (Expand the last
sentence)

2. It promotes discord.
- Rigid policies like this create more gaps between humanity. Is this what we want our children
to grow up in? And by the way, how does cross dressing endanger humanity for certain
institutions to ban it?!

Counterargument #2
Educational institutions are not only an instrument for education, but also for
independence and discipline. Prohibiting Cross Dressing in schools is not to create a gap
between humanity but to promote unity and an overall identity. The concept of Cross Dressing
(along with other kinds of gender expression) is acceptable within our society, but formality
should be observed in certain institutions and circumstances, such as the school, wherein the
members represent the entirety of the population since it promotes qualities of self-control and
responsibility. In addition to its possible consequences, certain actions are a result of
implemented laws that the individuals within its scope should strictly abide. In the case of
Philippine education, it is embodied through DepEd Order No. 45, series of 2008 which
emphasizes that students’ attire should reflect respect for the school as an institution of
learning. Additionally, it restricts boys to wear the following if the school uniform is inaccessible:
polo shirt/t- shirt with sleeves, pants with minimum prints, and any footwear. On the other side,
the ordinance restricts girls to wear the following if the school uniform is inaccessible: dress,
skirt and blouse, blouse and pants, and any footwear. This law was fairly applied to attain peace
and cooperation within school premises, hence, students, teaching and non-teaching personnel,
the principal, and other members of the community must comply to the standards set.

3. Gender is an idea, not a piece of clothing.

- Because it's 2015 and the holier-than-thou approach to gender is obsolete already.
Another key player in discriminatory practices against the LGBT community is Hypocrisy.
Everyone is for freedom, unless money talks. When fame, privilege, and fortune are on the line,
the others get thrown under the bus. Oh, this is another story. There is more to this "No Cross
Dressing" policy. To say that one should not cross dress is to take away their freedom and
identity. It is a subtle way of subscribing to suppression and all forms of human cruelty. Nothing
is more demeaning to an individual than to ignore their existence.

Counterargument #3
 The “No Cross Dressing” policy in educational institutions does not take away a
person’s freedom and identity; the policy solely limits and prevents excessive freedom in
order to regulate the community’s behavior. To solely state that prohibiting someone to
cross dress is to take away their freedom and identity is to state that prohibiting a person to
jaywalk when in a hurry is to take away their human rights which could not be further from the
truth. There are varied ways encouraged by the Department of Education wherein students can
display their sexual orientation, gender expression, and identity rights. For instance, DepEd
Order No. 32, series of 2017 commits to integrate the principles of gender equality, gender
equity, gender sensitivity, non-discrimination and human rights, in the provision and governance
of basic education. This ordinance involves promotion of the institutionalization of gender-
responsive teaching-learning plans, guides, processes, activities, mechanisms and measures.
However, it does not include permission of cross dressing.

Alternative for the italicized sentence:

Source: https://thebeautyjunkee.blogspot.com/2015/06/no-to-no-cross-dressing.html

Advantages of Cross-Dressing (Pros)

1. Wearing Women’s Clothing Can Help Keep Men Fit (Moderate)

Fashion-conscious men who may be interested in using women’s clothes often find that most
women’s available don’t fit. They’re tight. This causes such men to be more conscious of their
weight and size. They may engage in more exercise and less overeating. This has been
mentioned elsewhere (4). Women’s clothing can help a man exercise since it is less bulky to
wear when used outdoors but quite as warm (consider hosiery or bodysuits that are tight and
warm).

2. Women’s Attire Has More Variety (Moderate)

There’s an infinite variety of women’s clothing to choose from, including a multitude of designs
and patterns as well as styles that a man can try. There are more types of women’s clothes than
there are men’s, from lingerie to shoes.

3. Used Women’s Clothing Is More Affordable (Moderate)

As there’s a high turnover of women’s clothes (because women are more interested in clothes
than men), they are generally available more cheaply or competitively, both new and second-
hand.

4. Used Women’s Clothing Is More Readily Available (Weak)

Based on a high proportion of women’s clothes being dumped compared to men’s, maybe a
hand-me-down culture could be encouraged, incorporating men as well as clothes collections
for the poor of the world.

5. Women’s Attire Is Often More Comfortable (Strong)

They are often more comfortable being softer and lighter. Since women have more sensitive
skin and, on average, less muscle mass (15% according to one stat), their clothes are often
softer, smoother or silkier, stretchier, lighter and more flexible. There is some debate about this,
but on balance, most authors conclude that women’s clothes are more comfortable (5).

6. Women’s Clothing Is Lighter and Less Bulky (Weak)

Being made of very interesting fabrics not always found in men’s clothes, such as spandex,
elastane, modal, rayon, viscose, nylon, silk and satin, women’s clothes are less dense and
thinner for the same function. They pack super tight and don’t weigh much but yield similar
levels of protection or warmth to men’s clothes.
Consider fleece-lined footless tights as long johns. Given that airlines are reducing their
maximum weight limits for luggage, you could save a lot of weight by using women’s clothes,
especially if visiting a colder climate. They cost less to transport and are less bulky for travellers.

7. Pantyhouse Can Protect Against Critters and the Elements (Moderate)

The military and male travellers have often used pantyhose for protection against cold, heat,
insects, leeches, jellyfish and as tools for fishing etc. (6). There aren’t equivalent male clothes.

8. Women’s Fashion Is More Interesting (Weak since it is subjective)

More and more men are now wearing women’s clothes because they are so much more
available online, and taboos about wearing them are breaking down – also known as gender-
neutral or gender-fluid fashion. Certain combinations of women’s clothes, including shoes, may
prove both attractive and comfortable on men.

Some of my relations, including my brother, have remarked how fashionable I look in an

interesting outfit – if they only knew that I was actually in clothing marketed at women.

9. Women’s Fashion Is More Fun and Creative (Weal since it is subjective)

We don’t normally think too much about what we wear and often wear the same thing
mindlessly. Our clothes feel boring and get neglected. If you become more conscious of your
clothes and think about the combinations of items you wear and why, then clothing can be a
source of pleasure, even because you may be wearing things that are subversive and
unexpected. The other day, I wore some women’s skinny jeans with high-top Nike trainers – I
felt more youthful, and no one at work or in public seemed to mind.

10. Cross-Dressing Undermines the Patriarchy and Promotes Cultural Revolution

(Strong)
The world is dominated by men in black who look the same and don’t always represent a wise
use of power. Wearing women’s clothing may help undermine the patriarchy in the bad sense of
the word and help create an alternative culture or revive traditional modes of dress.

11. More Buyers of Women’s Clothing Would Help Economies (Moderate)

The retail sector is struggling on the high street. Even online businesses have to fend off stiff
competition. Many businesses are collapsing. But lingerie and clothing manufacturers, often in
poorer countries, generate employment and need customers. Why shouldn’t men also buy
women’s clothing in a slowly increasing market segment? Some men prefer women’s clothing
and may find them cheaper and more competitive during sales.

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1. Living in the ‘’Inbetween’’

Masculinity and femininity are both sides of the same coin. It is perhaps a little outdated
to think that one is devoid from the other. These traits, that are inborn in ourselves as humans,
are best enjoyed without regarding what others would think. Being a crossdresser doesn’t
mean that the person wishes to live as a woman full-time or identifies as the opposite
gender. It literally means that the person enjoys the use of clothes designed for the other
sex.
But in philosophy it means much more. It is being in connection with the deepest
feelings of oneself and others. It means taking care of the mind and body, presenting to
others in the best way, being attentive to details and many more things. In many places around
the world, it is very difficult for people that don’t fit within the heteronormativity. And a very
peculiar case happens with crossdressers. It is an amalgamation of likes and feelings that
makes it difficult for outsiders to put a pin to it and understand it. And even more difficult to
come out without risking a negative reaction that will hurt our feelings.
Of course, with love, patience, and understanding we may overcome any situation.
But it isn’t all bad and you should know this better than anyone. Crossdressing also comes
with great advantages and opportunities that nurture us as persons.
2. Becoming More Empathetic Through Details

Being a crossdresser means that you enjoy feminine activities such as knitting,
using makeup, wearing ‘’women’s’’ clothes like lingerie or skirts, cooking, etc. Doing all these
activities requires special attention to details like no other. Whether it is making sure all the
threads knitted are well done, the smells and flavors in your dish are well mixed and balanced,
or choosing the right outfit to look your best.

Femininity comes with a particular appreciation of little things that makes the whole
picture. That’s why I believe that allowing yourself to be feminine and embarking on this
path (although if you are here, you probably have already) develops a particular sense of
appreciation of the world that surrounds us. And this aspect is not limited to inanimate
objects or things, it extends to include people, animals and nature in general. When you
start noticing details in your everyday life, you will realize how others are feeling by just looking
at them and their expressions. This doesn’t mean that you are a foolproof lie detector. Being
more in touch with your feelings and needs will help understand and feel what others are
feeling or thinking.
Not only that, but also will help you develop a more honest and deep relationship
with women. As you know a little better what they go through in their everyday life, you will
become more empathetic. I really believe that abolishing the taboo of crossdressing would
help society on many fronts. Besides a more tolerant community, I think that as individuals
allows a deeper understanding of oneself and others. A trait often associated with masculinity is
being relentless without putting much thought into it. But femininity expands our limits to not
only become relentless if we need to, but also gives us the capacity to interpret the world
and people around us better to know when we are being petulant instead of pursuing our
dreams and desires with the passion of our hearts.

3. Boosting Your Imagination

Being able to keep in touch with your feminine side exposes you to a wide variety of
feelings, experiences, and point of views. If you have any artistic inclination at all, whether it
is enjoying art in any way or creating it, this will open up a whole new world. All these
thoughts and honest exposure to the world around you, will inspire new ways to express
yourself through your art. You will have a broader spectrum of feelings, ideas and sensitivity
that will boost your imagination and creativity. Of course, it will also allow you to comprehend
and appreciate better art in all its forms.

3. Taking Better Care of Yourself

Given the differences between the male and female anatomy, trying to look good ‘’en
femme’’ requires attention to one’s health. It means not only paying attention to what you
eat, but also to your fitness. Sometimes it’s harder depending on the situation, but I believe
that every crossdresser out there is trying to look and feel good at all times. And of course, that
leads to better eating habits and exercising to highlight feminine traits like your hips.
The great thing about this is that it all comes naturally and almost effortlessly. This
philosophy extends naturally and will not only keep our bodies healthy, but also our
mind. Eating well and doing any kind of physical activities that drive us closer to our
dreams will keep us in a better mood and with a healthier mind. Like I said before, the
crossdressing life comes with great personal benefits. I only wish that more people would have
the capacity to see and understand this.