Last year, I was told that I had to use the unisex bathrooms at my university. I'm not happy about that (especially since they're out of my way and in a dark, empty corner of a hallway), but at least they didn't make me use the female ones. Today, I noticed signs on the unisex bathrooms saying they were for staff and faculty only.
I need to be able to use a bathroom during the day. What can I do?

Maybe contact the administration and remind them of their instructions to you and ask for a pass should you be questioned.

Edge you likely know that depending on the policies of your University, your local or state jurisdiction, you may have written protections that are enforceable.  What is your campus like?  Is there a LGBTQ club or diversity committee where you might ask questions?
What happened to you is wrong and we need to address this obvious discrimination.
Hang in there.

Thanks for the support. I've e-mailed the person who told me last year to use the unisex bathrooms, but haven't heard back yet aside from "Please indicate which washrooms are you referring to?" which I replied to.
I just looked up the university policies regarding discrimination. Gender identity is not included. If I bring this up, I may be forced to use the female washrooms. Gender identity is also not included in the Human Rights act of my province.

Another source of info and support may be your local ACLU chapter.  They have assisted me in the past and a letter from an attorney does help open doors when the administration understands we will not go slinking off.  Thanks for standing up for yourself and those that follow us.

Thanks. I will keep pushing myself and see what they do, but if it doesn't go well, I will ask the CCLA about it. I may not be able to do anything yet though since I think Bill C-279 is still going through hoops and people don't understand the bathroom thing.
And someone on my facebook who is an LGBT advocate in this city is saying that the RAs at my university told him just a couple weeks ago that trans people are allowed to use the bathrooms they identity with. I was told I couldn't. I'm so confused and don't know what to think or do.

I think C-279 is dead in the water. When Harper prorogued parliament I am pretty sure he killed all bills it the works. So it is likely that we won't be getting any protections any time soon unfortunately.

I'll ask the human rights office on monday. Shall I keep you guys posted? I know it's just a little blip in the scheme of things.

Quote from: Edge on September 07, 2013, 12:41:44 PM
I'll ask the human rights office on monday. Shall I keep you guys posted? I know it's just a little blip in the scheme of things.

Yes please do and excuse me for forgetting how very international we are here.  It seems to me that you were singled out in a discriminatory effort that has no rational basis for improving academic or campus life. 

The human rights person told me that I am allowed to use the male bathrooms and asked who had told me I couldn't. Success!

Great news but get it in writing

Way to be persistent about your rights Edge.  You are helping the next trans person who comes along too.  Thanks!

Oh I got a response back from the human rights lady. She says I can use the male bathrooms.
I just realized I said that twice. Oops. Sorry.

I feel very proud of YOU, more importantly, I trust you are proud of yourself.  Thank you so much for taking a stand.

You are creating a better situation for so many people who may never be visible to the rest of the world.

Rock on dude!

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