Target Hits The Bullseye | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Target Hits The Bullseye

Their gender-neutral restroom policy is a primary win for the equality war.

14
Target Hits The Bullseye
Zack Ford

Target released a statement on April 19 encouraging “transgender team members and guests to use the restroom or fitting room facility that corresponds with their gender identity."

More than one million Americans have boycotted Target because of the company’s decision to make their restrooms gender-neutral.

I, however, took advantage of the light Target traffic and enjoyed shopping at Target on three different occasions this past week. Each occasion, I used their public restroom. Can you imagine what horror I experienced? Absolutely none. Actually, I have experienced more discomfort thinking about how much hate this policy has received than I ever will experience peeing in a stall next to a transgender.

The majority of Target’s boycotters will defend their stance, not because they have a problem with transgenders or the LGBT community in general, but because they believe the corporation’s new policy will attract "dangerous men."

“You aren’t afraid some creep will follow you into the restroom?”

I am not, indeed. I hope you know, friends, that any pedophile seeking out a victim will do so no matter what the policy. Criminals break laws whether the light is green or red. Target’s verbalization of their policy is not going to result in the wake of America’s rapists.

I also hope you all are aware that you have been using the restroom alongside transgenders for years without notice. Shocking, right? This entire time, you didn’t know that the hot blonde with a fabulous fashion sense was born a male. How devastating! Target's policy is not a new concept that our society all of a sudden needs to process. It is an act of equality that has finally been publicly presented.

Transgenders have fought their entire life to identify as who they want to be -- free, themselves, and happy. That’s the beauty of America, right? To have freedom to do as you please as long as it doesn’t result in the harm of others. Transgenders living their lives in peace is not by any means harmful. Transgenders using the restroom and minding their own business is not harmful. Harm arises when a transgender uses the restroom that their identity doesn't correspond with. Frankly, having non gender-neutral restrooms is more harmful in the long run.

Target's press release also included the statement: "We believe that everyone — all of our team members and all of our guests — deserve to be treated equally."

The idea that there is still such a huge gap in equality for the LGBT community is utterly unnerving. Most bothersome of all is the idea that while there are wars being fought for freedom, our society is so concerned with someone doing their business in a public restroom.

When something upsets me, I ask myself “Is this going to keep my awake at night?” If I answer “no,” I decide that I am wasting time and energy being upset. Boycotters, are you really disturbed enough by a gender-neutral bathroom that you can’t sleep? If so, let's answer a few more questions.


How would you feel if your basic rights, i.e. using a public restroom, were infringed upon?

If your own son or daughter identified as the opposite gender, how would your stance change?

What would you do if you were denied the right to live your life authentically in a country that was founded on freedom?

Barring an innocent soul from a restroom is not moving our country forward. Granting a transgender access to the restroom that fits their identity will not bring harm anyone's way.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

24250
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10148
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7421
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments