Recently, social media has been soaring about talk regarding the popular department story, http://money.cnn.com/2016/04/20/news/companies/target-transgender-bathroom-lgbt/Target. Target has joined the movement in the growing number of companies to recognize and approve of transgender individuals using the bathroom that matches their gender identity. Many people, both male and (mostly) female, have been expressing not only their disappointment with Target as company, but additionally they have been using this to their advantage to publicly shame individuals who identify as transgender.

I am sure we all remember the story that struck the world by surprise in June of 2015 when Caitlyn Jenner announced her identity after years of living as a male. The term https://www.quora.com/What-causes-a-person-to-be-transgender transgender is used “to describe people whose gender identity differs from the sex the doctor marked.” In laymen terms, individuals who do not feel that they were born with the correct identity - identify as transgender male or female. If you are one of the people who may ask, what causes someone to be transgender? The answer is not “they’re a messed up minority.” There are three known claims for why an individual is transgender and they are: chemical/hormonal, genetic, and environmental. Therefore, to completely stop you in your uneducated tracks, these people do not wake up one day and say to themselves, “I am going to be the opposite gender from now on.” Absolutely not, they know for a while and struggle with themselves until they finally feel comfortable and able to express themselves freely. Now, I trust you realize how much your negative opinions and slandering may harm these individuals.

Following the initial announcement, Target released another statement in response to the uproar that took place on social media. Target says, “We certainly respect that there are a wide variety of perspectives and opinions. We continue to believe that this is the right thing for Target.”

No surprise that Donald Trump has recently added his two cents to the argument. Contrary to how many may believe he would respond, he mentioned in an interview - if Caitlyn Jenner were to walk into Trump Tower, he would allow her to use whichever bathroom she chooses. What a generous offer!

I am a strong advocate against sexual violence and understand the feelings of individuals who have experiences such incidents. Many have said this new shift in policy for Target and other big name companies will be dangerous and may open doors for sexual violence. The trust is, these individuals simply are going to the restroom for one purpose, the same as you – to use the bathroom and leave. Additionally, this is a part of a major shift for Target as a whole, as they are extremely accepting of the LGBT community as far as “Target Team Members,” as well.

If you are fearful for your safety, which I cannot argue your feelings – than you can find another restroom to use. One that doesn’t respect other individuals. Many people have also mentioned that they will now http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/conservative-group-calls-target-boycott-over-transgender-bathroom-policyboycott Target completely due to this change. If individuals expressing their identity is enough to make you refrain from shopping at a store – again, I respect your opinion, but I genuinely feel bad for you. Additionally, many have used this as an opportunity to consider themselves genius and suggest Target create a “unisex bathroom” option. Right, what better way to respect someone than by labeling them, based on their choice of BATHROOM! That, my friends, is an act of segregation.

We now live in a world where the LGBT community deserves respect - show some. Similar to Target, I will continue to stand for inclusivity of all people – and I encourage you to do the same.