Whether it is socially recognized or not, gender and sex are two different things. Sex is anatomy, sex is scientific, sex is physical. Gender is about self expression, it's mental. Sex would be the left side of the brain, and gender the right. Where sex is black or white, gender is any color on the spectrum, a mixture of pigments, or a shade so inconceivable that it doesn't have a name yet. The notion that whether or not we have the right to express who we are is to be decided by our nation's government is absurd. The idea that our identities are limited is simply false. Humans are complex creatures, there is no limit to our genetic makeup and combination of personality traits. Being transgender or nonbinary is not a crime, and how people choose to identify is not in anyone's control but their own.

Those that disagree with transgenders using the bathroom of their preference make the argument that they "don't want grown men in restrooms with their daughters." It's a fair point, nobody wants to be caught alone with a sexual predator anywhere, let alone in a public restroom- it's small, private, and there are no security cameras. But I can't help but wonder what makes these people think that pedophiles and rapists care what bathroom they are in? Why would they go through the trouble of claiming to be the opposite gender, dressing as the opposite gender, and fighting for their right to identify as the opposite gender? They throw social convention out the window when they decide to sexually pursue someone without consent. Do you honestly believe that whether or not the sign in front of a bathroom that has a dress on it is going to stop them? As disgusting as it is, sex offenders are going to commit these crimes no matter what gender they are, and no matter what bathroom they are in.

It was never about bathrooms, anyways. It's about the fact that the phrase "fighting for their right," had to be used. What ever happened to "America- the land of the free?" Since when are our lives in the Supreme Court's hands? Why do they get to decide who we're allowed to marry, or who we're allowed to be? Our lives are completely our own. Being punished for crimes- actions that hurt others or put lives at risk- is logical. Being punished for marrying someone of the same gender? Being punished for using the restroom, dressing room, locker room, or camp cabin? In other words, being punished for being who we are? That is taking your authoritative power too far. Nobody should be allowed to tell people how to live their lives.

In what way does someone's gender affect you? Are you getting hurt? Are you the one that's being oppressed? No. You just don't agree with someone's lifestyle. That's fine, you don't have to. You're entitled to your opinion, but the minute you start trying to change someone, the minute you attempt to run their life for them, is the moment you lose my respect.

"But what about freedom of speech?" Let's get this straight right now. The first amendment protects you from being persecuted for your words. It does not make it okay to hate. Nothing justifies hate.

To my transgender, nonbinary, and gender fluid friends and readers; I support you. I apologize for the rest of the world trying to control you. You are beautiful, you are not alone, and I hope that one day we look back on your situation the same way we look back on black/white segregation. I hope that one day your oppression only exists within the lines of a history textbook, and that people start realizing that all genders are relevant, equal, and real. But until then, we stand by you.

My name is Cassie Wagmeister, and I support the right to individuality, self expression, and to be who we are.