Transgender restrooms

            Recently, there has been a lot more in the news about the transgendered community. However, now the conversation has shifted from Caitlyn Jenner to something more relevant- allowing individuals of the transgendered community to use the same public facilities as those of us that are not. This conversation has sent the nation into an uproar.

           In order to take an accurate stance on the situation, one must understand what it means. “Sex” is what it means to be male or female biologically, whereas “gender” is how a person relates to that psychologically. Keep in mind that the term “transgender” does not necessarily mean “cross-dresser”.

             Many states like North Carolina, have passed laws that force transgendered individuals to use public restrooms that correspond with the gender on their birth certificate, not the gender they now identify with. Like many states, major corporations like Target, Lord & Taylor, and Barnes &Noble are getting in on the action. Target has introduced a policy that allows transgendered people to use the facility of their choice. Consequently, a petition has been circulated by the American Family Association, boycotting Target stores, which has accumulated almost 750,000 signatures.

              Much of the opposition of the idea stems from fear, ignorance, or both. The major argument is that it is unsafe to have what is technically a “man”, share restrooms with women and little girls, and vice versa. But ultimately, if a transgendered person is going to the restroom, it is for the same reason as someone who is not. If someone is going into public restrooms for purposes other than that, it could be anyone of any orientation- gay, straight, lesbian, transgender, or otherwise. Putting laws into place that infringe on the rights of the transgender community does not change that.