More and more public places are changing their policies to allow those of the transgender community to use the bathroom of the sex that they most identify with. Honestly, I'm a little upset about the policies, but not for the reason you would think. I'm upset that there were policies released for something that's already been happening. Do you really think that transgenders who went through physical and/or surgical changes used the bathrooms of the sex they have or previously had "parts" for? No. They most likely used the bathroom that they fit in appearance, according to society's standards. It's also very likely that if they did not fit society's standards to appear the sex they identified with, they didn't use the same bathroom. They're not out to make others uncomfortable. Some transgenders don't go through any physical changes, and some do to make themselves more comfortable in their own body.

Honestly, I don't understand why so many people are getting overly worked up about this. We already have unisex and co-ed bathrooms, this isn't exactly a new concept. I've seen many arguments saying that they fear specifically for the women and children (who cares about the men, right?). Hardly anyone cares about trans-men using the men's bathroom, but when it comes to trans-women using the women's bathroom, oh no, we can't allow that! Because being around "men" in the bathroom automatically means someone will get raped. Uh, no. Being transgender does not equate to being a rapist. I can't even comprehend how someone can think in that way. I'm unable to stoop to that level of stupidity. On that same note, there are those that fear for women and children being taken advantage of, not by the transgenders, but by perverts and rapists who would see these policies and changes as an opportunity. Do you really think that because it wasn't allowed before, that they weren't already breaking the rules? Really? Because perverts and rapists totally care about laws, rules, and basic moral choices...right. Those disgusting, waste of space kind of people are going to do whatever the hell they want either way. Sad truth. That's the world we live in. This new policy doesn't encourage rapists and perverts. They would have to be severely idiotic to think to commit such a heinous act in the middle of the day, in a public bathroom, with many other people around.

We have been oppressing each other enough. We don't need more reasons to keep on oppressing each other just because we're not all the same. Race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexuality, etc. are not valid reasons for wanting to make another person or group feel inferior. We're all human. We all (hopefully) have the ability to feel pain. We can all be hurt by words and actions. We don't need to keep the ways of the past alive when they're damaging the present and future. I want to thank anyone who is supportive of the transgender community and the changes being made to benefit them; thank you for not being a judgmental, close minded, oppressive person.