Bathroom flap puzzling

I am confused about the flap over transgender people and what public restroom they may legally use. Here’s why: Let’s say that I am a woman who always knew I should be male. Once I reach adulthood, I decide to become that man, including sexual reassignment surgery. Part of the psychological part of that process requires me to live and dress like a man in order to prove to myself and the medical community that surgery would be appropriate. I am in a building wearing a suit and tie with a man’s haircut, no makeup and carrying a briefcase. In need of a restroom and because I am still physically a woman, I head into the women’s restroom (if that is the law).

What sort of reaction do you think would ensue? At the least, questions. At the most, a shout to call the cops. If someone looks like a man or woman, wouldn’t you expect him/her to use the restroom their appearance dictates?

Privacy? Women’s restrooms have locking private toilet stalls and the only thing anybody would witness is hand-washing. So, unless hall monitors are stationed outside all restrooms to request proof of gender, this sort of law would be meaningless.

Karen Buck

Millwood