The Great Bathroom Panic Of 2016 | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Great Bathroom Panic Of 2016

Arguments over what bathroom is most appropriate for transgender people are heated right now. Which side are you on?

5
The Great Bathroom Panic Of 2016
Target

In defiance of the war against transgender people, Target announced Tuesday that its transgender employees and customers are “welcome” to use the bathroom or fitting room facility that bestaligns with their gender identity.

This isn’t a new act for Target. Last year, the company announced support for the federal Equality Act, which, provides protections to LGBT individuals, and opposes action that enables discrimination. The company also received high praise, as well as some anger, over its decision last year to stop labeling toys and bedding departments either for “boys” or “girls.”

Because of the decision to allow anyone to use any bathroom, many people have decided to boycott Target. "More than 340,000 have signed a pledge to stop shopping at Target," Fox News says, "in response to the corporation’s announcement this week that transgender employees and customers will be allowed to use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity."

The boycott pledge was started by the conservative American Family Association (AFA).

"Target's policy is exactly how sexual predators get access to their victims," AFA President Tim Wildmon said in an open letter. "This means a man can simply say he 'feels like a woman today' and enter the women's restroom ... even if young girls or women are already in there."

He suggested that Target should install separate unisex bathrooms instead of giving all genders access to facilities designated for women or men.

But not everyone is so upset. Jessica Willard on Target's Facebook says, Target has family restrooms, if you are truly concerned about this highly unlikely scenario, then use the single room family restroom. Nothing stopped a man from using the women's restroom prior to their statement. Absolutely nothing has changed, it is still illegal to sexually abuse or be a sexual predator. Instead of laying blame on the transgender community, everyone should be putting their efforts and concerns into making the predator behavior unacceptable in the first place."

Amanda Jarvis also writes on their page, "I love Target and I fully enjoy working for a company that supports Equality and doesn't discriminate."

The announcement was the first of its type by a major U.S. retailer and comes on the heels of laws in Mississippi and North Carolina that required people to use the bathroom that's stated on their birth certificates.

Target ends their announcement by saying, "Everyone deserves to feel like they belong. And you’ll always be accepted, respected and welcomed at Target."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

1068
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

644
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199747
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20606
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments