I walk through my daily life like the majority of other people, not worrying about public bathrooms. Most of us don’t, and that is because we do not realize what a luxury it actually is. I say that because there are some people that worry about public bathrooms a lot, and I am not talking about germaphobes. I am talking about gender-nonconforming individuals. For some, this is a real issue that plagues their mind every time they venture into a public space. Unfortunately, it is because public bathrooms pose a real risk to both their mental and physical health.

Now, I have to give a shot to the other side of the argument. Real people with real opinions have a problem with gender neutral bathrooms. Why? Well, to be honest, it mostly stems from the ideals of rape culture. It seems the idea of men and women in the same bathroom makes many people uncomfortable. Now, I don’t want to belittle the ideals of those that feel that way. Your opinion is valid and you have a right to it. But please read the rest of the article.

I am going to let everyone in on a little secret: You have been sharing your bathroom with people who are gender-nonconforming for a good portion of your life. Most of the time, you just aren’t aware of it. You aren’t aware of it because when most people go to the bathroom they have one goal in mind. Get in, and get the hell out. None of us want to be in there for any longer than we have to. It is not a social get together by any means. So why are people so worried about it now?

Well I have also heard that it comes down to children. Which is an interesting argument when considering that ever since I have been in college, I have always been told that child molestation typically happens with someone the child knows. It isn’t a topic of stranger danger.

The debate over gender neutral bathrooms is not a debate about rape culture. It is not a debate about child molestation. It is a debate about letting an already marginalized group of people be able to fulfill a basic human function. The fact is, it is discrimination. “They are different, therefore, they scare me.” It is the same logic we see in racism and now it is unfortunately shaping the way society thinks about where someone can do their business. I am not saying that every bathroom should be gender neutral. But what is the harm in having, all male, all female, and gender neutral bathrooms.

I am by no means an expert on this subject. I will even give in to the thoughts that maybe I am wrong. But I know transgender people, and I can’t imagine what runs through their head when staring at the generic signs on bathroom doors. I’d like to think we can put a stop to that. There are many things in this world that need attention and I would rather society and myself spend time on racial issues that for some reason still exist, gun laws, why we are voting for Donald Trump and many other issues rather than where someone goes to the bathroom. To me this is a no-brainer. Go to the bathroom. Wash your hands. And get out. Nothing else needs to be your business.

And another thing, if you don’t like gender neutral bathrooms, then you can hold it until you get home. I mean, that’s what we are telling transgender individuals already right?