State needs to promote gender-neutral bathroomsinnesota does not need separate bathrooms for men and women. These separated spaces cause undue duress for many of Minnesota’s residents. Transgender individuals often face harassment and even physical intimidation and assault when the need to use the bathroom in public arises. Safety is a human right so we need to do more to ensure safe spaces for all.
Transgender individuals are discriminated against with society’s norm of gender-specific bathrooms. In a study conducted by the Williams Institute,
41 percent of transgender individuals have attempted suicide due to the discrimination they face. The lack of gender-neutral bathrooms is just one of the ways this discrimination shows itself.
This issue can be very easily addressed, although many people oppose it due to unfounded fears. However, fear does not equal danger. Proposed measures to eliminate this discrimination will harm no one; they only help.
Gender-neutral bathrooms in public spaces can eliminate unnecessary hardships for transgender individuals residing in and visiting our great state. In order to create gender-neutral bathrooms, I propose legislation be introduced requiring government buildings to either create or adapt current bathrooms into easily accessible gender-neutral bathrooms. It also would require all new buildings to have gender-neutral restrooms. Many cities across the nation already have implemented similar reforms, and California recently made it law. Minnesota can step up and help lead the way to a safer, more understanding place to live.
Katie Reuder
Duluth
