California AB-1266, the 'bathroom bill' passes committee, heads to senate

http://www.examiner.com/article/california-ab-1266-the-bathroom-bill-passes-committee-heads-to-senate
6/12/13
Alberto Vargas

"AB 1266 requires that elementary, middle and high school students be allowed to fully participate on sports teams of the opposite sex, and access opposite-sex bathrooms, locker rooms, and other 'facilities,' based solely on the student's self-proclaimed 'gender identity'—not their biological sex. "

In other words, any student from elementary up to high school, who claims to identify themselves more as a member of the opposite sex must be allowed access to restrooms, locker rooms, other such facilities, and even be allowed to play on sports teams.

I think this is a good thing for restrooms and other areas where someone's genitalia will not be exposed. I don't think its right in locker rooms if someone's genital is still that of the opposite sex. I would hope that if someone were to utilize this new law they would at least respect others. I have gone into plenty of changing rooms at pools and water parks...I am pre-op. There is no such law allowing me or preventing me from access but I would never expose my genitals in the woman's changing room....nor would I attempt to use the men's changing room.

I just really hope someone doesn't push this issue if confronted with it. That is not what the trans community needs....someone enforcing their right to expose their male genitalia in the woman's changing room because all other characteristics are female or that they are even legally female. 

Quote from: Just Shelly on June 15, 2013, 10:30:18 PM
I think this is a good thing for restrooms and other areas where someone's genitalia will not be exposed. I don't think its right in locker rooms if someone's genital is still that of the opposite sex. I would hope that if someone were to utilize this new law they would at least respect others. I have gone into plenty of changing rooms at pools and water parks...I am pre-op. There is no such law allowing me or preventing me from access but I would never expose my genitals in the woman's changing room....nor would I attempt to use the men's changing room.

I just really hope someone doesn't push this issue if confronted with it. That is not what the trans community needs....someone enforcing their right to expose their male genitalia in the woman's changing room because all other characteristics are female or that they are even legally female.

I'd very much like the right to be there but I know that I'd feel really awkward being pre-op in the locker room if had to take my pants off. I'm also sure that no one else wants to see that.

I also think it will cause a lot more harm than good if there are trans girls playing high school sports on the girls teams without a requirement for being on HRT.

Quote from: Just Shelly on June 15, 2013, 10:30:18 PM
I would hope that if someone were to utilize this new law they would at least respect others. I have gone into plenty of changing rooms at pools and water parks...I am pre-op. There is no such law allowing me or preventing me from access but I would never expose my genitals in the woman's changing room....nor would I attempt to use the men's changing room.

I just really hope someone doesn't push this issue if confronted with it. That is not what the trans community needs....someone enforcing their right to expose their male genitalia in the woman's changing room because all other characteristics are female or that they are even legally female. 

So someone who measures say 34D-26-36 should use the men's room because of one inch? And so trans rights are great as long as we don't actually take advantage of those rights? Sorry I have to disagree with this line of thought especially the "expose their male genitalia" portion. Why do you assume that a trans person wants to go around exposing themselves? This is actually really upsetting. I'm not mad I'm just saying what is the sense of having rights if you're not allowed to use those rights?

Quote from: skin on June 18, 2013, 12:12:10 AM
I also think it will cause a lot more harm than good if there are trans girls playing high school sports on the girls teams without a requirement for being on HRT.

I can kinda agree with this. But there is a big difference between a petite, demure trans girl (like I was as many people just assumed I was trans because of how I look and act) just using the bathroom and locker room and say playing football. But I don't see how anyone would get hurt? I don't place a high value on sports and think they are way over-valued and one of the USA's big downfalls but is it really a big deal of a trans girl plays field hockey or a trans guy plays football? As long as the trans guy can play is all that should matter. Plus we very well know how hard it is to get on HRT under 18 so this logic basically renders the law moot.

I really hate being so argumentative and it doesn't suit me at all but I have to say something as these reasons are the very things quoted by the opponents of trans rights. When I was 8 I used to use the girl's bathroom with my friend and we got caught one day (I didn't think I was doing anything so wrong) and the older girl (a safety) tried to scare by saying I should be forced to wear a dress and I was like that would be awesome. I got in a lot of trouble. I so wish things were like this when I was growing up.

And even in high school when there was co-ed gym I was still picked next to last. My two other friend were picked last (they were girls) so no one would be afraid of me on a sports team. And my one friend during a class trip to VA let me wear her extra clothes when I got all wet at an amusement park and I changed with her and no one cared. People assumed I was a girl probably. Plus I had small boobs. I have no idea how I eve got a date lol but I did. I am kinda cute though hehehe It's starting to occur to me that I have had a lot of female friends and wonder if this has been most trans girls' experience? Or vice versa for the guys?

My point is my life would have been so much easier and better if just being myself wasn't criminalized. Women have mainly had no problem allowing me into womyn's spaces and even want me there so I don't see what the big deal is.

I'm sorry for being so argumentative but I think this law is great and I hope my experiences have showed you why it is necessary and how no one is going to expose themselves or wipe poop (the other scary trans myth) all over the walls.

The thing is this won't even apply to me within the year as I am only 15 weeks HRT and I get systematically ma'amed. I actually got ma'emed today and it annoyed me because I want to be miss'd as it makes me feel younger lol I just can't be pleased. I kid sorta lol but really even three years if I am post-op (God willing) I feel like what about my trans sisters who aren't as lucky or privileged as I am. I am still their sister and shouldn't I stick up for them?

I won't lie the other day I was hanging out with a not so passable and kinda loud trans girl with this guy that I am sweet on (he has a big penis!!! yummy!!!) and I did get uncomfortable and so I am not so noble. My passing ability also dropped because of it but I didn't run for cover and plus she gave me all this makeup and gave me a makeover but if we don't stick up for each other who will? IDK I hate arguing and I hope you two don't hate me for it but I had to point it out.

Sorry for the long reply.

If people don't want kids to see other people's genitals, they should build locker rooms so there is privacy.  It's actually pretty simple, although people who don't want any change can find 500 reasons why it isn't practical.

Quote from: Joanna Dark on June 18, 2013, 03:08:26 AM

I think I might not have been clear enough on my end. I love this bill, I just know that I would feel very bad personally if I had to get naked in front of other women. This is something that is 100% on me. So maybe I'm not confident enough to take advantage of a bill like this but I know that someone is, and if that person can do it well then hopefully I could find the courage to do it. Now aside from that if I was just switching into shorts or something I'd definitely use it. Believe me I want to use the right place, and maybe I need to stop worrying about upsetting other people. Sorry if I seemed negative of the bill, it wasn't I meant. <3

Quote from: Naomi on June 18, 2013, 04:40:59 PM
I think I might not have been clear enough on my end. I love this bill, I just know that I would feel very bad personally if I had to get naked in front of other women. This is something that is 100% on me. So maybe I'm not confident enough to take advantage of a bill like this but I know that someone is, and if that person can do it well then hopefully I could find the courage to do it. Now aside from that if I was just switching into shorts or something I'd definitely use it. Believe me I want to use the right place, and maybe I need to stop worrying about upsetting other people. Sorry if I seemed negative of the bill, it wasn't I meant. <3

I didn't think your post was offensive in the slightest nor did I think anyone else's was either. I was mainly just trying to convey how the bill is a good thing by personal anecdotes but it was late when I wrote it and it prob lacked clarity. I can understand why people would be wary of a bills that make trans issues more visible but I think decriminlizing these things is worthwhile.

I think the bill is a good idea, and definitely a great step forward.

I've never liked locker rooms, and I avoided them completely by taking marching band instead of gym in high school.  I know that once HRT works a little bit longer on me I probably won't feel comfortable in mens locker rooms or bathrooms, so the anti discrimination bill in California is good to hear (Most of my business trips seem to send me to the San Jose area)