Using a public restroom has never been a problem for me. I looked for the "woman" sign, in its various depictions, and walked right in. No thought. But that is not true for all of us.
I have accompanied transsexual women to retail stores, movies, and other public places where the dilemma of which bathroom to use causes a lot of stress. Going into the men's bathroom dressed as a woman was unthinkable. Entering the women's bathroom had its own problems. How would people look at them? Would they be rude or worse? We've heard horror stories of transswomen being abused for using the women's restroom.
If adult women feel pressure, imagine the confusion and stress felt by students deciding which bathroom to use at school.
So, California's passing AB1266 is a step in the right direction.Read more hereThe bill allows students K-12 to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity, not necessarily their physical body parts. The bill also permits students to participate in gendered sports and the appropriate locker rooms.Problems will arise, but they will be addressed. The important thing is young people already faced with difficulties most of us can't imagine, have one less barrier to surmount. Now, if the other students and faculty will be accepting, the situation will be even better.