In recent headlines, the issue of transgender men and women using the restroom of their identified gender has been prevalent. Thousands were in uproar as Target openly stated their non-discriminatory policy. The uproar howled at such a volume that over 900,000 people have signed a petition against Target and its inclusive policy. However, what are we protesting?
Around three weeks ago, I had the opportunity to listen to a trans-woman speak of her journey. Because I was raised in Southern-Baptist Christian home, I had never truly been educated on transgender individuals or knowingly been in contact with one. As she entered the room, I found myself uncomfortable, but in an oddly good way. It was the type of uncomfortable feeling you get when you know that your world views are about to change. When she spoke, I was in awe of her eloquence, of the way she faced adversity with a humble smile and gentle approach. I was fascinated by the strength she held and how comfortable she was talking about her journey. She was at peace with herself.
Later that day, as I headed for a restroom break, I noticed that she was also heading into the restroom. The women's restroom. She followed me in, and what happened next is unfathomable... She used the bathroom. I never once felt threatened. I never once felt as if my life, purity or body was in danger. I never once questioned her right to use the facility of her choice. After exiting our stalls, I was even surprised at the comment she made to me:
"I like your shoes!"
It was in that moment that I realized how truly magical she was. Knowing I came from a very stringent, Christian upbringing, she still treated me with an immeasurable amount of kindness and respect. She, a devout Christian herself, had just loved me in the way that Christ does. She showed me kindness despite knowing I might believe differently than her. She showed me humanity in a situation where she probably felt vulnerable and uncomfortable. I was blessed by the experience and I fell to my knees in my dorm that night and thanked God for allowing me to know her and a little bit more about the diverse humans He created.
Many of my fellow brothers and sisters of Christ have asked me, "How can you support those people and still feel as if you are right with The Lord?"
My answer is always the same. I support those humans in the same way that I support you. As a child of God, I am called to love in the same manner that my Savior does. That does not mean that my love has to be set in categories, and it does not mean that I am bound to only express love and acceptance to certain people with certain opinions. It is my responsibility to love all people regardless of orientation, opinion, color or religious view.
I do not expect a multitude of people to agree with me; in fact, I am expecting loads of opposition from my community after writing this. However, the only words I have for those who contest my feelings or attack my faith are, I love you. I love you regardless of your feelings towards me or your feelings towards my dear friend that complimented my shoes in the restroom. We all deserve the right to be free, and we all deserve the right to be happy.
