The Goal of 'Bathroom Bills' Is to Criminalize Being Trans

http://www.advocate.com/commentary/2016/3/23/goal-bathroom-bills-criminalize-being-trans

The Advocate/By Angela Peoples and Robin Ridley March 23 2016 5:20 AM EDT

"This week, Tennessee residents are facing two bills in the state legislature that are equally dangerous. The first was just rejected  Tuesday in a narrow victory for young Tennesseans facing what our friends at Tennessee Transgender PAC call the "Transgender Student Bathroom Harassment Act." Like many other attempts to legislate public spaces across the country, this bill (Senate Bill 2387 and House Bill 2414) would have required students in public schools — including public colleges and universities — to use restrooms and locker rooms that are assigned based on the sex as shown on one's original birth certificate. This focus on "original" birth certificate is important, and is as ridiculous as it is dangerous — it is a direct attempt to wipe trans folks out of existence, even if they have been able to legally alter their birth certificate to reflect their true gender identity."

They're speaking the truth here.  Seriously, there are folks who would like to sweep trans people off the face of the earth.  This isn't hyperbole - it's reality.  And in a number of states, these folks control the state legislature.  There are lots of public officials who would like to see us in prison.  Or in mental institutions.  Or dead.