C's transition has been set against the backdrop of a national debate about transgender people in public restrooms. I have wanted to address this in a blog from day one, but I have, so far, been able to say "It's not in our state," write my legislators, rant about it on Facebook and move on. But tonight, our local paper had this headline:
I feel sick. This battle has come to our state. It was a matter of time, I know. I must admit my heart sank a little when the federal government issued the directive, knowing it would cause those who fear the "other" to go on the offensive. Don't get me wrong, I agree wholeheartedly with the directive, it's just that I am now in the position of hoping we don't draw any more attention to this issue right now - something that is very much against my M.O.
Being a liberal in this state is exhausting right now. Between gutting education funding, pushing abstinence-only "sex ed," passing bills that would make abortion a felony, etc. I have been writing my legislators almost daily. The moronic elected officials are empowered by an ill-informed, fearful electorate, and they are subsequently stoking that fear and the cycle continues. But this is different. This is about my child. You don't mess with my child.
This bill terrifies me. I have already considered all the horrible ways in which my daughter might be abused verbally, emotionally and sexually. I have considered what happens when an unwanted advance from an unwanted suitor turns violent. I imagine these situations especially when I think of possibility that he may learn she is trans. This bill brings her safety into question in her school, in the shops, at restaurants -- simply because she wants to go to the loo. I can't. I just can't.