Updated: Aug. 3, 2023
Originally Published: April 27, 2023
A recent selfie shared by a transgender woman reveals just how nonsensical the ongoing bathroom debate really is. If Emma Collins were to enter a women’s restroom, there would be no drama, no scandal, and no discomfort—just a woman using the facilities among fellow women. Emma identifies as transgender.
The conversation surrounding restroom access has intensified since a major retailer, Target, reaffirmed its commitment to allowing employees and customers to use the bathroom corresponding to their gender identity. This stance is not new; Target has always been inclusive. Following the controversial North Carolina law mandating that transgender individuals use the restroom that aligns with their birth certificate gender, Target made a notable stand for equality.
The message was clear: transgender individuals have always been welcome to use the restroom that aligns with their identity. And guess what? It hasn’t caused any issues—none at all.
In a Facebook post, Emma wrote, “Here I am using a women’s restroom in North Carolina, where technically I’m not allowed. They call me a pervert, a man in a dress, a threat to children, and a danger. They say accepting me as I am reflects the fall of a once-great nation.”
For those who view Emma as she truly is—a woman simply trying to live her life—the debate over bathroom policies seems utterly preposterous. It’s abundantly clear that transgender individuals belong in the restroom that matches their gender identity. If Emma’s selfie doesn’t make this clear, consider some additional thoughts from her post.
Is the argument really that two men should be using the women’s restroom, while two women should go to the men’s? That notion is ridiculous and frankly puts trans women at risk. Moreover, there are numerous arguments being presented that simply don’t hold water.
One commenter on our piece about the Target boycott said, “Parents worry this ‘loophole’ will be exploited by predators.” It’s interesting how when discussing gun laws, the argument often goes that “bad guys will always find a way to get guns.” Yet, this logic seems to vanish when it comes to bathroom laws. It’s as if predators are just waiting for the opportunity to sneak into a bathroom and harm children. The reality is that sexual assault is not exclusive to one gender. Self-reported studies indicate that around 20% of adult women and 5-10% of adult men recall experiencing childhood sexual abuse.
So, is the real argument that male predators are so dangerous that we must strip rights from the general public? Perhaps it’s time to redirect some of that anger towards actual predators instead of transgender individuals who are simply trying to live authentically.
“I’m just a person. We all are just people, trying to use the restroom in peace and live our lives to the fullest,” Emma states. “Barring me from this restroom doesn’t help anyone, and allowing me to use it without fear of discrimination doesn’t hurt anyone either.”
The safety of our children is not compromised by allowing transgender people to use the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity. If you’ve never encountered a transgender individual and feel uneasy, that’s understandable. There’s a quote I love that says: “Forgive yourself for not knowing what you didn’t know before you learned it.”
At any moment, you can choose to open your mind and embrace acceptance. Just because you haven’t interacted with a transgender person doesn’t mean you can’t recognize that they are not a threat to society; they just want the same rights as everyone else, including the dignity of not having to fight over where they can relieve themselves.
As statistics show, three out of four adolescent victims of sexual abuse are victimized by someone they know.
Emma concludes her thought-provoking post with a powerful message: “Stop this. We are good people.” As Ashley Foster pointed out, “Stop using your children as an excuse to be a hateful human being.” To foster a more compassionate and accepting society, we must evolve. Humanity demands it.
For more on related topics, check out this insightful resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
A transgender woman’s selfie challenges the absurdity of the ongoing bathroom debate, emphasizing that transgender individuals should be allowed to use the restroom that aligns with their gender identity. The article explores the misconceptions and fears surrounding this issue, advocating for understanding and acceptance.