Mom: You'll get arrested for going into the men's room

[Berserk]

Your mom sounds like she's just being...well...non-supportive There is no logic behind her claims, whether she knows that or not. You can't be jailed for using the men's washroom, nor can you legally be arrested. The worst they can do is as others have said, which is to get you escorted off the property.

As far as I know, no western nation has any law concerning washrooms that aren't attached to indecency laws...so unless you're going to parade yourself around the washroom in the nude whilst making sexual advances on everyone around you, you should be ok!

At best your mom seems like she's either paranoid or just isn't supportive of your transition. But you don't owe her your own misery. From the sound of your post you've been doing quite well in living your life as your true sex/gender. Don't let her ruin that for you. Do your thing and be yourself, but don't give up.

[nicole19]

In some states the law, allows woman to use men's bathroom if their bathroom is full.

Most guys, probably won't go telling on you, they'll probably just tell their buds later.

[tekla]

no western nation has any law concerning washrooms that aren't attached to indecency laws

Yeah but everywhere has 'disorderly conduct' laws which furnish a catch-all for just about anything that causes a disruption. 

[NikaPlaidypus]

From lambdalegal.org :

Some cities and counties have dated ordinances that purport to ban people from using public restroom facilities "designated for the opposite sex." These ordinances are the exception rather than the rule, and — where they do exist — are rarely enforced. But biased law enforcement officers have occasionally sought to use these ordinances against transgender people. Other jurisdictions have sought to prosecute transgender people for "trespassing" in a restroom. While it is appropriate for transgender people to use restrooms that match their gender identity, remember to prioritize your own safety and be aware of the possibility of police harassment. If you are arrested or cited due to public restroom usage, contact Lambda Legal right away.

[Felix]

From lambdalegal.org :

Some cities and counties have dated ordinances that purport to ban people from using public restroom facilities "designated for the opposite sex." These ordinances are the exception rather than the rule, and — where they do exist — are rarely enforced. But biased law enforcement officers have occasionally sought to use these ordinances against transgender people. Other jurisdictions have sought to prosecute transgender people for "trespassing" in a restroom. While it is appropriate for transgender people to use restrooms that match their gender identity, remember to prioritize your own safety and be aware of the possibility of police harassment. If you are arrested or cited due to public restroom usage, contact Lambda Legal right away.

I know I'm getting into niche interests here, but if you look at the laws on Alabama's books, a lot of them have to do with horses, black people, arcane biblical stuff, etc. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Alabama

Actual ordinances sometimes have very little to do with what gets enforced.

[nicole19]

Something to look at is "Colorado Senate Bill 200". Wasn't aware of it until i did a google search.

[NikaPlaidypus]

I know I'm getting into niche interests here, but if you look at the laws on Alabama's books, a lot of them have to do with horses, black people, arcane biblical stuff, etc. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Alabama

Actual ordinances sometimes have very little to do with what gets enforced.

Section 86 mandates that "The legislature shall pass such penal laws as it may deem expedient to suppress the evil practice of dueling"

And here I am with my paired pistols packed and a railway ticket in my hand.  *doffs derby and holds it against chest*  Is there no haven for a duelist?

[tekla]

Fact is most places almost all the time the police can arrest you - no matter if the charge sticks or not, your still going with them.

[Cindy]

 I use to go to TG club meeting a few years back. We did have a police woman come to talk to us about legal issues as part of the clubs activities. She told us to go the bathroom of the gender you identify as, if you are wearing the correct attire for that gender.

That said many of the venues such as theatres etc have either gender toilets. I think the original intent was to supply 'overflow' for the woman's toilets

I have never had any issues using the ladies loos in Australia.

[Felix]

"The evil practice of dueling" made me giggle and reminded me of a book I enjoyed a long time ago. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burr_%28novel%29

Disclaimer: I know Gore Vidal has, like, stature and stuff, but this is the only work of his I've read, and it was great fun, but I don't think it got across whatever it is that makes people like that guy so much.

To stay on topic, I'll mention that I was in a men's bathroom at the mall on the 27th (so it was busy with the after-christmas crowd), and I got walked in on by 3 different guys. The stall didn't lock properly, and I was dealing with some bleeding issues on top of the time it takes to get my binding configuration arranged, so I was in there longer than normal. None of those three guys so much as looked twice at me, even though they had very clear evidence (of whatever) right in front of them.

[Paul]

That's awesome Felix.  That definitely gives me more confideance in starting to use the men's bathrooms in public.

[Mattmadness]

I've actually had the opposite problem where before I was out I used the girls bathroom and one time I was stared and yelled at that guys weren't allowed in the girls restroom my mom came in and told them I was her daughter but that was a very happy day for me.

[Paul]

So I decided to start using the men's room and I guess in a sense I lucked out.  The 1st time I did there was a Women's room and then a Men AND Women's room (and it was single person so even if I was spotted leaving it wouldn't have mattered).  It was such a great feeling. 

[King Malachite]

Congrats Paul!