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| https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:RestroomSign.jpg |
Bathrooms, as simple and essential as they seem, are at the heart of debate. The friction comes when
it is time to choose which bathrooms to enter. We, understandably, all want to use the bathroom for the gender we identify with. It is as basic as categorizing oneself (though this is ironic in itself, as sometimes categorizing one's gender isn't all too basic, but that's an argument for another time), fitting into the category and assimilating as much as possible to this way of life.
it is time to choose which bathrooms to enter. We, understandably, all want to use the bathroom for the gender we identify with. It is as basic as categorizing oneself (though this is ironic in itself, as sometimes categorizing one's gender isn't all too basic, but that's an argument for another time), fitting into the category and assimilating as much as possible to this way of life.
It comes down to two main arguments: transgenders want to use the bathroom they identify with, while some are stuck on biological sex, and think a person should only use the bathroom of their designated biology (which is yet another gray area for another time).
So why, exactly, is this even a debate? Let's first pinpoint the major arguments against transgender people using the bathroom fitting of their identity.
I'll first take a brief moment to discount a minor argument: it goes against biology. Don't you think transgender people would know a lot about going against biology? For transgender people, they feel as if their own, physical body, does not match their personal feelings, experiences, their own sense of self.
A major concern is that perverts will go into the opposite sex bathroom to peep.
First and foremost, this stems from the idea that all transgender people are also perverts. To make a simple comparison, this is similar to saying that all dogs are brown, or all asians are good at math. Those are clearly generalizations, there are myriad colors dogs' fur can be and a person's ethnicity does not determine intelligence, so how could all transgender people be perverts?
That aside, those who support House Bill 2 (which bans transgenders from using the bathroom of their identity) claim it is mainly to protect women and children from sexual assault. Sexual assault, however, is already against the law, and transgender people (or someone impersonating a transgender woman, as some people hypothesize) would not be an exception to this law. Those who assume a male impersonating a woman would be the one committing assault also neglect to acknowledge that men are also at risk of being sexually assaulted.
Assuming that transgender people are dangerous is also extremely offensive towards trans people, and banning them from using their identified bathroom is a major civil rights violation. This article from NPR goes on to describe that, often, transgenders are often denied access to the bathroom or assaulted, even physically harmed, while attempting to do so. Not using the bathroom can also be harmful to transgender people, as using the identified bathroom is a pivotal aspect of transitioning. Of course, holding it in, due to anxiety about using the bathroom, is harmful to the body.
The most baffling is the idea that transgender people (assumed "perverts") are using the opposite sex bathroom to peep on the anatomy of the opposite sex. While peeping is also against the law, it would already be extremely difficult to accomplish, seeing as the greatest concern is protecting women and children. In my experience, I have not ever seen a woman's anatomy while using the bathroom, unless you count seeing a woman's hands while she washes them in the sink. The general nature of a women's bathroom does not allow for simple "peeping". A person would have to break multiple laws in order to accomplish such a crime. If anything, I would be concerned for men, seeing as men's bathrooms are much more open and less private.
This banning of transgender people from using the bathroom of their choice restricts the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community. As a country that prides itself on liberty and freedom, we should not forbid transgender people from being comfortable in their own bodies.
I'll first take a brief moment to discount a minor argument: it goes against biology. Don't you think transgender people would know a lot about going against biology? For transgender people, they feel as if their own, physical body, does not match their personal feelings, experiences, their own sense of self.
A major concern is that perverts will go into the opposite sex bathroom to peep.
First and foremost, this stems from the idea that all transgender people are also perverts. To make a simple comparison, this is similar to saying that all dogs are brown, or all asians are good at math. Those are clearly generalizations, there are myriad colors dogs' fur can be and a person's ethnicity does not determine intelligence, so how could all transgender people be perverts?
That aside, those who support House Bill 2 (which bans transgenders from using the bathroom of their identity) claim it is mainly to protect women and children from sexual assault. Sexual assault, however, is already against the law, and transgender people (or someone impersonating a transgender woman, as some people hypothesize) would not be an exception to this law. Those who assume a male impersonating a woman would be the one committing assault also neglect to acknowledge that men are also at risk of being sexually assaulted.
Assuming that transgender people are dangerous is also extremely offensive towards trans people, and banning them from using their identified bathroom is a major civil rights violation. This article from NPR goes on to describe that, often, transgenders are often denied access to the bathroom or assaulted, even physically harmed, while attempting to do so. Not using the bathroom can also be harmful to transgender people, as using the identified bathroom is a pivotal aspect of transitioning. Of course, holding it in, due to anxiety about using the bathroom, is harmful to the body.
The most baffling is the idea that transgender people (assumed "perverts") are using the opposite sex bathroom to peep on the anatomy of the opposite sex. While peeping is also against the law, it would already be extremely difficult to accomplish, seeing as the greatest concern is protecting women and children. In my experience, I have not ever seen a woman's anatomy while using the bathroom, unless you count seeing a woman's hands while she washes them in the sink. The general nature of a women's bathroom does not allow for simple "peeping". A person would have to break multiple laws in order to accomplish such a crime. If anything, I would be concerned for men, seeing as men's bathrooms are much more open and less private.
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| https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ File:Fakhro_Tower_typical_mens_toilet_-_Feb_2013.jpg |
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| https://www.flickr.com/photos/39908901@N06/8430470675 |
This banning of transgender people from using the bathroom of their choice restricts the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community. As a country that prides itself on liberty and freedom, we should not forbid transgender people from being comfortable in their own bodies.
I'm sorry, Kylie. I ignored you when you told me not to read this post, and I'm glad I did. It's quite informative and entertaining to read because of your one-of-a-kind Kylie Johnson humor. You have a nice point there about gender identity versus dogs and ethnicity. I especially love the paragraphs you wrote after that, in which you talk about the House Bill 2 and peeping. You did a great job.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you that transgener people are not perverts, and it is a frustrating to see this generalization continuing in our society. Having a third gender neutral bathroom seems like a good option, but would that satisfy the needs of transgener people because it is still not the same as a girl/boy bathroom. Very interesting to read!
ReplyDeleteI really like the topic your chose for your blog! Particularly with our new president, LGBTQ rights are definitely going to be a big issue for a while. I like the way your outlined the fallacies in the argument, while backing it all up with logic. Great post, I'm interested to continue reading !
ReplyDeleteI think it's really interesting that you mention how multiple laws are ALREADY in place, and that if a transgender person wanted to "peep," they would have to break as many laws as anyone else. Essentially they dont get a "free pass." However, the idea that all transgender people are perverts is just ridiculous anyway. Lastly, I believe that the most significant problem, though, is posed for intersex individuals who actually could go to either bathroom but have to choose...
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to see the views toward transgender people. I think it's just such a radical and new idea that many people are uncomfotable accepting it. Let's hope this changes in the near future!
ReplyDelete