Back gender-neutral bathrooms

Can you imagine being brutally assaulted for the way you dress? As seen from Nina Culver’s Feb. 4 article, “Men deny assaulting transgender woman,” hate crimes are a legitimate issue in our beautiful city, and we must do more to protect our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

One of the biggest issues that needs addressing is the lack of transgender bathrooms in Spokane. Throughout the course of the day, the periods we feel most vulnerable occur in the bathroom, and these are the times we should feel the most secure. Unfortunately, the transgender community struggles to find safety in these intimate moments, as they are being subject to hate crimes throughout the country.

This issue of public safety offers a simple solution: the installation of gender-neutral bathrooms throughout the city for those who would feel safer in an unlabeled bathroom. It is true that this solution comes with a great financial burden, but there is nothing more important than keeping all members of our community safe and secure.

If keeping Spokane safe is important to you, join me in pushing the Spokane City Council to begin the development of gender-neutral bathrooms, and show your commitment to the safety of our city.

Kassandra Clark

Spokane Valley