Firestom Brewing over transgeder use of Bath rooms

[Ed Pettibone]

[Haruo]

Except for the header I don't see much of a"firestorm" there, Ed.

[Ed Pettibone]

Ed: Note I said a firestorm is brewing, not that it is even fell flame. Most that I have heard don't think it (the new plan) will actually come about. I think that is wishful thinking.

[linda]

There hasn't been a firestorm where I live, and this would be old news here.

But it isn't without its problems. First off the bat, transgenders are each at a different point in their journey. I would never know some ladies were not born ladies as they enter and leave the wally world rest area. But then again, some would make me feel distinctly ill at ease. And a few would leave me feeling threatened. Sort of like the time in Lowe's when I was "busiest" and the gentleman mistook the ladies' room for the gents'. At least he retreated hastily.

At the schools it could also be a problem. I "get" that the trans child should not be ostracized. What about the non trans child who holds it all day, uncomfortable with going with those who's plumbing screams "opposite gender?"

Public areas here now usually also offer a "family" restroom. Single occupancy, with baby changing area and the little chairs to hold the toddlers while mom or dad goes. Anyone can use them, no children required. I've done so myself when someone not far enough into transition entered the ladies' room. I felt uncomfortable and unsafe, and made other arrangement. I know some guys will go with their wives or daughters to the ladies' room door, let her holler and make sure it is empty, and then block the door until she comes out. That may offend some, but on occasion it seems the only safe thing to do. (Yes, transgenders are the most likely to be assaulted, but where there is either a high population or high acceptance of them, sometimes deviants pretend to be trans and rest room rapes are not that uncommon.)

It is seldom an issue unless the transgender persons are not far into transition, or unless the parents of the trans child make a public big deal of it. Otherwise, stalls and well fitting doors on them keep the firestorm down. At least here, where for a time the population was extremely high.

Perhaps schools will have to offer his, hers, and one at a time rooms also.