The New York Times’ Jennifer Weiner is a seminal writer whom all women should read (each article of hers is gold!). In particular, Weiner’s commentary about 2015 as the Year of the Toilet, suggests further challenges in the year to come. Bathrooms have been politicized. As trans* issues gain more traction, questions about conventional male/female bathroom divisions will continue to arise.
Weiner writes, “If a trans woman can use the ladies’ room, the unspoken message is Yes, you are accepted as female. If a trans man can use the men’s room, same thing. We see you for who you are, and we welcome you.” Instituting gender-neutral bathrooms, which many companies, schools, and colleges have already done, eradicates the problem of gendered toilets in the first place and makes where trans people can go a non-issue.
A side benefit of gender-neutral bathrooms? Ladies will have to endure shorter lines (and won’t feel ashamed for using the men’s restroom if the line’s too long).
Cover image courtesy of Shutterstock.
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