Since the existence of trans people have come into the public’s eyes, everything down to their daily autonomous functions (for example, bathroom procedurals) have been brought into question. With a lack of information of what it truly means to be trans and the understandable fear of the unknown it is no wonder why the concept is so controversial. There are several different reasons why people do and do not oppose the laws put in place in some states to attempt to solve the societal anxiety trans people’s identity can cause. These anxieties become increasingly more complicated when they are challenged in the private sectors and public sectors. This will be addressed with three of the biggest arguments for anti-bathroom laws; protection, privacy, …show more content…
As briefly mentioned before, the bathroom is used as an unconscious regulatory method for the general public. Proponents for anti-trans bathroom laws find themselves worried that the general public will be subjected to an invasion of privacy. This is due to the ideal that without being in a private setting amongst those who are of the same gender, cisgender individuals may find themselves embarrassed, uncomfortable or even in danger while relieving themselves. It is of course known that disposing of waste is not only considered a private matter not for the general view of others but also an action that while being performed leaves them vulnerable to attack. That is why “submission to the norms of bathroom use therefore becomes essential to inclusion in the social contract” (More, 2008, 301) because for the general public who is worried about their own privacy and safety they have agreed to this social contract that segregates men and woman for that purpose. That is why, those who oppose trans individuals going into the bathroom that aligns with their identity question those who support it by asking them questions like, ‘Would you want some grown man in a dress in the bathroom with your daughter? With your child? How comfortable would you be going to the bathroom and one of them were there and watching you? What about men that would use this as an excuse to assault us (women)?’ and to many, that next norm is sexual restraint. Because the privacy of the mainstream individual (specifically, women and children) feel at risk. With honest questions of their privacy being secured and these questions rattling their mind it is no wonder proponents for anti-trans bathroom legislation push so much for