Bourelly R., Santambrogio A. When the alias career is not enough. Youth Resistance in Cavour High School, an Italian Case Study

Authors: Richard Bourelly, Ale Santambrogio

Abstract

This exploratory study examines the power dynamics and resistance strategies surrounding adopting the alias career (carriera alias) in Italian schools and the lack of teacher training, focusing on Cavour High School in Rome. Through semi-structured interviews with two trans* students, Andrea and Marco, and two student representatives, the research highlights how students resist cisnormative practices. The results shed light on the interplay between youth agency and vulnerability within cisnormative educational settings. The paper also provides recommendations to schools, arguing for prioritising trans* students’ well-being and promoting structural change to make schools safer and supportive environments.

Keywords: cisnormativity, high schools, alias career, trans students, resistance

DOI: 10.13131/unipi/4mb9-pg36

Notes on contributors

RICHARD BOURELLY Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Social and Economic Sciences.
Email: richard.bourelly@uniroma1.it
ALE SANTAMBROGIO University of Enna ‘Kore’, Department of Humanities, Foreign Language and Education.
Email: alessia.santambrogio@unikorestudent.it