This weeks to topic dealing with gender made me think back to an experience I had on a family reunion. At the time my daughter was five years old. We were at a McDonald’s when she said she had to use the restroom. I remember asking her why didn't she say anything before we left our hotel and how much I hate using public restrooms. So, I proceeded to take her to the restroom. Upon walking into the women’s restroom, I paused and took a step back to reread the sign. When I entered a second time, what my eyes perceived to be male stated “I a girl”. So I continued to take my child to the restroom. I can not lie my initial thoughts were not pleasant at the time. As I thought more about my experience, I thought about why someone who wants to be considered a man would not use the men's restroom instead of the women’s. Then I thought about how unaccepting we are in our society. After viewing the YouTube clip in class it reminded me that people in our society hate and harm people who they do not understand and I would never want harm to come to some transgendered for using the restroom where society says the doesn't fit.
In Philadelphia a new law has been passed in an effort to address the gender neutrality of restrooms in the United States.
Seeing gender non-conformity can definitely be jarring. I think getting comfortable with these ambiguities is an important step in recognizing an individual's right to define their own identity.
ReplyDeleteI am really excited to see future reaction to gender neutral restrooms. Thanks for sharing!
i myself really struggle with transgender. I have to say, i really think gender neutral restrooms is weird. I personally really like my privacy.
ReplyDeleteI have used unisex restrooms before and it kind of reminds me of a handicap restroom stall. But I only remember encountering them in night clubs and I know a year ago a transgendered male worked at our facility as a women and I didn't know which restroom he used. I just feel that if employers are willing to accept everyone as they are then that employee should feel comfortable when using the restroom, they shouldn't have to sneek.
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