I’ve been stewing about something for some time and really don’t know what to do about it. I’m not even sure if I should do anything.
First, let’s make something clear, I’m pretty open-minded about most things so PLEASE do not assume that I’m being racist or judgemental in any way. I, most definitely, am not. I couldn’t care less if you are black, green, blue, tall, triangle, straight, gay, whatever! It’s the “fine details” that are sometimes difficult to deal with. Let me explain …
My daughter, now in grade 9, has described a situation that is happening at school that is difficult to deal with. To further clarify, I’ve raised my daughter to think much like I do; so she has a similar view as I. Getting back to the story, there is a “boy” who is “transgendered” or “transgendering” or something like that (forgive my political incorrectness) that uses the girls’ washroom. Granted, he dresses like “a girl” and probably identifies as “a girl”; however, is still physically a boy.
Now, normally there wouldn’t be a problem (in my mind) but my daughter has explained a couple of issues:
1) my daughter feels uncomfortable going to the washroom when “he” is there because “he” is still a “he” and should then use the boys’ washroom
2) “he’s” known to use recreational drugs and that also makes many grade 9 girls uncomfortable
3) the Muslim girls can’t go to the washroom if “he” is in the washroom … so “he” is imposing on others’ rights, if you think about it
Now that you look at the situation from my daughter’s perspective, what should be done (if anything)?
I think it’s time to talk to the school. Unless he is a full-blown female, which I am sure at his tender age his parents have not allowed an operation, he should NOT be in the ladies washroom. I wouldn’t hesitate any longer and pick up the phone or call and demand they do something about it. It is wrong, and there is nothing racist about that.
He might be using the girls’ room out of fears for his safety if he uses the boys’ room.. Boys that age can be very cruel. Perhaps, if it is not acceptable for others to go in there also, a sign can be placed to alert others that he is in there. Or he should be permitted to use the teacher washrooms instead.