The Idiocy Of The North Carolina Bathroom Law | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Idiocy Of The North Carolina Bathroom Law

Welcome to North Carolina, where our biggest problem is where you go to the bathroom, apparently.

39
The Idiocy Of The North Carolina Bathroom Law

Ever since Caitlin Jenner's iconic "Vanity Fair" cover and people like Laverne Cox spoke out, the nation has been forced to deal with the fact that transgender people do exist. For those who don't know, a transgender person is someone who's gender identity doesn't match up with their biological sex.

Here is the NC Bathroom Law explained:

On Feb. 22, Charlotte, North Carolina passed an ordinance that expanded antidiscrimination laws to grant LGBT people protection in places of "public accommodation". This would, among other things, allow transgender people to use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity. This was a great expansion of civil rights for LGBT people and would go in effect on April 1.

On March 23, House Bill 2 (HB2) was proposed and passed. Gov. Pat McCrory signed it into law that night. This law served to essentially retract the ordinance and limit any power individual districts might have had to extend civil rights to LGBT people.

Here is why the law is fundamentally deceptive:

The logic behind HB2 is warped to meet an unjust end. The most common argument is that the law is keeping people from abusing a system where "a man in a dress" can go into the women's restroom and terrorize your wives and daughters. This fear is completely unfounded and illogical. If a man wanted to go into a women's restroom and assault women, then I don't think a bathroom law is what's going to stop him. If we're worried about rape, then let's focus on rape and not where people go to the bathroom.

The supporters of this law have used that image of a man smearing on lipstick to enter a changing room full of teenage girls to scare people. They continue to use fear tactics of displaying these plagued helpless women to continue to deny LGBT people their civil rights. Not once has anyone mentioned the opposite scenario: a woman dressing up as a man and sneaking into the men's locker room. Again and again, fear is the common denominator in taking away people's fundamental rights.

This all is a ludicrous concept, considering that transgender people are the ones being assaulted. According to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, 61 percent of those surveyed were the victim of a physical assault and 64 percent were the victim of a sexual assault.

This law was made to "keep men out of the women's restrooms", but it is putting those trans-men back into the women's room because it says female on their birth certificate.

I think that North Carolina legislators need to take a second to put themselves in trans-people's shoes. How would it feel to be living in the wrong body for your whole life, and then being able to make the change to make your outsides represent how you feel on the inside. When your whole being is screaming that you are one thing and the rest of the world can demand to see your genitals and declare you the exact opposite because of their perceptions of gender. Now, as a transgender person, they are being forced into going into a restroom they don't belong in. The men pictured above are now, by law, required to use the women's restroom.

HB2 is abhorrent and is forcing everyone into an uncomfortable situation that is a possible hotbed for discrimination and assault. Most people have probably shared a bathroom with a trans-person and never known the difference. Trans-people have enough to worry about, and now they can't even go to the bathroom in peace.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

23896
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9982
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7236
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments