Unisex Bathrooms Pushing Boundaries?
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Unisex Bathrooms Pushing Boundaries?

#TargetBoycott or #GenderEquality?

15
Unisex Bathrooms Pushing Boundaries?

There is no doubt that the LGBT community has been gaining a huge amount of support within the past few years. However, there are still many people out there who are not too fond of the new gay rights laws. With North Carolina's HB2 law and the new hashtag #TargetBoycott, it is clear that people are beginning to take a step back from the community's newfound equality. But for good reason?

Target's recent bathroom policy has caused a lot of controversies. It's attempt to expand inclusive started back in 2015 when it took on the practice of gender-neutral marketing. Its goal was not to get rid of the idea of gender, but rather to organize the store in a way that was based on activity and interest.

While this change had resulted in a significant amount of outrage among its more conservative customers, Target remained true to its beliefs.

"We believe that everyone—every team member, every guest, and every community—deserves to be protected from discrimination, and treated equally. Consistent with this belief, Target supports the federal Equality Act, which provides protections to LGBT individuals, and opposes action that enables discrimination."

This statement, written on its corporate web page, is revealing as to how willing the popular retailer is to make each of its customers feel welcome. It shouldn't have come as much of a shock, then, when Target announced its new restroom and changing room policy. However, despite its attempt to make the LGBT community feel more accepted, Target's policy caused an uproar amongst a large population of its customers.

The negative feedback being received is more than just a matter of traditional views being inflicted upon, but rather people feeling unsafe in a public area. The American Family Associations has started a petition to boycott this policy, and this is why.

"Clearly, Target's dangerous new policy poses a danger to wives and daughters. We think many customers will agree. And we think the average Target customer is willing to pledge to boycott Target stores until it makes protecting women and children a priority."

The AFAs pledge to ban Target stores already has over one million signatures, and it is safe to assume that this number will continue to grow within the days to come.

There is a great deal of tension among the general population, and there seems to be no way of telling who is right. There are concerns that Target's new policy is putting women and our youth in danger. However, there are also those who fully support this change, and acknowledge the positive effects that it will have.

How do you feel about this issue? Are people overreacting to this new policy? Is this policy as dangerous as people are making it out to be? And finally, is it fair to the LGBT community to take away their right to identify how they choose?

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

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70894
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132479
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments