Quote from: Michelle-G on February 26, 2015, 10:01:36 AM
I have little fear of this actually happening.

Never underestimate the potential of evil in politics. This is the state that elected George W. Bush governor, then re-elected him, the managed to shoe him into the presidency. Then it followed up with that jack--ss Rick Perry. I don't trust the Texas state government for a second these days. The decent citizens of 1930s Germany were saying about the same thing you did.

Michelle-G and Dee, I wish I had your confidence.

I worry about our non-passing sisters. If such a law were to happen, those who pass will not experience hardship, however those who don't pass, whether because it's a physical impossibility or because they have other priorities, would be in constant fear for their safety when using restrooms in public.

Quote from: Lyric on February 26, 2015, 11:49:56 AM
Never underestimate the potential of evil in politics. This is the state that elected George W. Bush governor, then re-elected him, the managed to shoe him into the presidency.

Yeah, I know. I live here. But I'm too busy worrying about credible threats to be too concerned with stupid political posturing.

Legal housing and employment discrimination against trans people? Real problem.

People being killed for simply being trans (and the low rate pf prosecution for the killers)? Real problem.

Disproportionate unemployment / underemployment, homelessness and poverty among trans people? Real problem.

Lack of readily accessible and affordable health care for trans people? Real problem.

Recent political history has shown that attempts to restrict access to bathrooms for trans people are a concern, but those efforts lack the steam to become law. Not a real problem.

Quote from: suzifrommd on February 26, 2015, 12:35:33 PM
I worry about our non-passing sisters. If such a law were to happen, those who pass will not experience hardship, however those who don't pass, whether because it's a physical impossibility or because they have other priorities, would be in constant fear for their safety when using restrooms in public.

This is already the present threat, law or no law. The problem isn't the legislation, it's lack of trans visibility leading to tolerance and ultimately acceptance, and the lack of enforcement of existing laws that ban assault and battery.

We can take a cue from the gay community. They made themselves visible and now they don't experience near the same level of discrimination they once did.

Quote from: suzifrommd on February 26, 2015, 12:35:33 PM
Michelle-G and Dee, I wish I had your confidence.

I worry about our non-passing sisters. If such a law were to happen, those who pass will not experience hardship, however those who don't pass, whether because it's a physical impossibility or because they have other priorities, would be in constant fear for their safety when using restrooms in public.

Actually, I think you have it backwards.

I keep hoping that such a law WILL pass and go on the statute books, because the media circus that will result from the first trans-man in the ladies (as the law would require) or the first butch cis-woman to be charged with being "trans" in the ladies would effectively end these idiotic "laws" for once and for all.

As long as none of the laws get on the statute book there will be no reason for the idiots who draught them to stop trying. For these "laws", success in getting them passed would also be their death knell.

I hope you're right, Michelle. I've just seen too many disasters begin with a seemingly minor issue that gets the ball rolling.

I'm not sure transgenders will ever make the gains the gay folks have because of the inherit differences, but have certainly seen huge changes since I first became aware of my personal situation back in mid-1980s. Even the gays in Texas are miles behind many other states with public acceptance, though.

Quote from: skin on February 25, 2015, 12:03:55 AM
I hope there's a brave enough transman to enter the same ladies room as Rep. Riddle to show her the absurdity of her bill.

I would love to be that transguy!