Transgender graduate speaks at D’Iberville High amid school controversies

Family and friends filled the Mississippi Coast Coliseum on May 23 for D’Iberville High School’s graduation ceremony. The event showcased portraits of about 400 seniors, with some students’ images altered or omitted due to gender identity issues, according to advocates familiar with the cases.

Jonas Hole, the salutatorian, is a transmasculine student who uses a chosen name different from his legal one. School officials published a Facebook post using his former name and altered his photo to appear more feminine, sources said. Additionally, at least five other transgender students reported similar treatment, including missing yearbook photos and being addressed by deadnames during the ceremony, according to LGBTQ+ advocates.

During the ceremony, Principal Cheryl Broadus introduced Hole with his deadname and called him a “young lady,” despite his gender identity. Hole’s speech addressed the crowd, first using his former name before clarifying, “a lot of you know me as Jonas.” He discussed his journey toward self-acceptance and urged others to embrace their true selves.

Advocates attending the event described Hole’s speech as respectful and thoughtfully delivered. They praised his message of self-acceptance and noted community support, including about 30 people who gathered outside the Coliseum in rainbow apparel and LGBTQ+ T-shirts to show solidarity. The support reflects broader concerns about treatment of transgender students in Harrison County schools, advocates said.

School officials did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Advocates continue to push for fair treatment and recognition of transgender students across the district, emphasizing the importance of respecting students’ preferred names and expressions in public settings.

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