Which States Have Laws Protecting Our Bathroom Rights?

[Sally24]

As of 3 years ago Maine does! Just had several cases concerning it that were found in favor of the TG. One in a Denny's restaurant with an adult and one with a child in her school.

How about other states?

[Joni Marie Cruz]

Hi Sally-

Thank you so much for starting this thread, I think it will be very interesting. I for one would also be interested in any information on states, counties or cities that have laws or ordinances specifically banning someone from using a restroom different from that of their birth gender and especially any laws aimed at trangendered people. If anyone has first hand knowledge of such a law or has actually been cited under such a law, would you mind providing some information about it and what happened?

Thanks.

Hugs...Joni Mari

[Brandi Wyne]

Well, not a scholar here but I would think that the unisex bathrooms or the "family" bathrooms would suffice for most situations. If one is discreet while dressed, it will not likely come up as an issue but it might be a thing to know in order to poll the rats that run the government and get some changes made where needed.:2c:

[RachelRICD]

Rhode Island has a very comprehensive law that includes CD's & Transgendered under it's non-discrimination policy. When I started work last month I was briefed by HR that I was eligible to file under sexual harassment any discrimnation or other problems because of my presenting gender. Fortunately I am working for a very understanding staff that are mostly GG's who have no problem with me working there as a female. BTW, I was instructed to use the women's facilities.

[Dana921]

Since the Colorado Senate bill passed (last year I think), we are able to use the bathrooms that we present as! No problems have occured, as far as I have heard or know about. I think the unisex bathrooms should be used whenever possible as avoiding problems or potential issues is better I think.

Dana

[linnea]

Since the Colorado Senate bill passed (last year I think), we are able to use the bathrooms that we present as! No problems have occured, as far as I have heard or know about. I think the unisex bathrooms should be used whenever possible as avoiding problems or potential issues is better I think.

Dana

Very good advice, Dana, but it is also wonderful to hear about Colorado's law and the laws in other states that protect us. When I present as female, I use women's restrooms, but I'm always very cautious (and usually very worried about what might happen if I'm questioned).

[Rachel Morley]

Hi Sally,

Here's what the Transgender Law Center in California told the River City Gems when we asked.

California law prohibits discrimination in public accommodations based upon gender identity. A “public accommodation” is a private entity that owns, operates, leases, or leases to someone, a place of public accommodation. Places of public accommodation include a wide range of entities, such as restaurants, hotels, theaters, doctors' offices, retail stores, and other establishments that open their doors to the public.

Under California law, sex includes gender identity and gender expression (Cal. Gov't. Code § 12696) so a person who is a cross dresser would also be protected by the law. Although there is no case on point, TLC believes that "full and equal accommodations" means that all women, regardless of their transgender status, are entitled to access the women's restroom in accordance with their gender identity.

There is a "gray area" with regard to this law in that some public accommodations may try to require a person to have ID that matches the gender of the restroom they are using. TLC does not believe this is a lawful policy, but if a public accommodation did implement such a policy, it would need to check all individuals' IDs, not just those women it "suspects" are transgender.

[Fab Karen]

There is a "gray area" with regard to this law in that some public accommodations may try to require a person to have ID that matches the gender of the restroom they are using. TLC does not believe this is a lawful policy, but if a public accommodation did implement such a policy, it would need to check all individuals' IDs, not just those women it "suspects" are transgender.
While many bars & clubs check ID before entry, that is done for checking drinking age, as well as to scare off the scum who'd be afraid of showing an ID. Never heard of any place checking ID for a restroom, and I suspect they'd soon regret attempting to do so if they did.

[jenna_woods]

this is all very interesting, I live in maine and never had a pproblem

[rocketscientist]

Does anybody have any information about Indiana or Michigan, as that's where I am located?

[Loni]

on the point of "ID" what about getting a fake real id from the market?

the ones the dmv issues to fake names?

not a DL. just a id with your fem name and photo?
not to be used to open checking accounts, just to have a id matching at the time...aka bouncer checks...bathroom checks...etc...

as i know it one is not required to provide a real name for any other than a police officer, or legal reason.
to get into a bar one can use any name. and i am sure most here are of leagl age anyhow. nor would want to commit a crime of fraud with this item.

.

[Sally24]

What about getting a fake real id from the market?
It's now a felony under federal law to possess a fake id (5-7 years in prison). Came about after 9/11.

[Karen Francis]

New Jersey has various protections in place for transgendered individuals. Essentially the law says that if you are presenting as a female, you are allowed to use the female facilities. I go out to dinner with a group of TG friends about once a month in the New Hope PA/Lambertville NJ area, we are legally allowed to use the ladies room in NJ but not 1/4 mile away in Pennsylvania. go figure.

[LeslieSD]

Great info.

I had the same question a while ago, but a quick search did not turn out anything for California. I am always under the impression that there is some law that says that you can use the restroom according to the gender you are presenting as. But I can not find anything in writing, so maybe I am imagining that.

It would be a great idea if some one here can compile a list of the appliable laws for each state so we can carry it when we go out for the un-expected situation. I know photographers carry similar card that state their rights (whether you can take pictures of other people in public, and who owns the right to these pictures, etc).

[eluuzion]

Follow the reference links at the end of this report.

http://www.traditionalvalues.org/read/3111/summary-of-transgender-law-center-report-peeing-in-peace-a-resource-guide-for-transgender-activists-and-allies/



I have always been curious who could "hold it" longer...guys or girls ??
ok, kind of a thread hijack, eh...sorry bout' dat'
...if you just don't make eye contact, I usually just go away (like dogs/cats)...lol

[LeslieSD]

Sorry eluuzion, which link is the one you mentioned?


Follow the reference links at the end of this report.

http://www.traditionalvalues.org/read/3111/summary-of-transgender-law-center-report-peeing-in-peace-a-resource-guide-for-transgender-activists-and-allies/

[Alice Torn]

This reminds me of the thread about 8 months ago, where a father went ballistic, and went after a few cds that his daughters got upset about, in a restaurant ladies room. I hope that person will comment here. That was truly scary! If these bathroom protection laws, are real, then that father could have been cited by the cops.

[AllieSF]

Lousie, that was a friend of mine (Samantha) and it happened at a Sizzler Steak House near Berkeley in the San Francisco Bay area. The guy was defending his wife based of her false accusations. He must have called the police because they contacted my friend since it was her car that he tried to block as they left. The police told Samantha that they had explained to the complaining guy that the Tgirls had the legal right to be in the ladies restroom as long as they were just doing their business. He also told Samantha that he did not think that the complaining guy would take it any further with charges. As far as I know nothing else came of it and it was well over 6 months ago. I use the woman's restroom everywhere here in the San Francisco area, including at theaters during intermission when you have to stand in line with all the other women while waiting for your turn in the stall. When in the Detroit, Michigan this past year, I asked the local girls what they recommended and they said use the woman's restroom, so I did at the bars and the Detroit Institute of Arts museum with Gina from this site.

[Schatten Lupus]

I don't know about Indiana either. Although it wouldn't surpirse me if we don't have any such laws. I have noticed many unisex/family restrooms though.
I do believe Florida also has restroom laws.

[JulieC]

I don't know about Indiana either. Although it wouldn't surpirse me if we don't have any such laws. I have noticed many unisex/family restrooms though.
I do believe Florida also has restroom laws.

I've searched several times and never found anything in Indiana Code restricting the use of bathrooms signed for a particular sex to that birth sex.

Some communities may have laws explicitly stating it is ok. I've not found those either, but haven't looked as hard.

The above said, whether it is legal to do so or not is in many cases a moot point. If some people think you shouldn't be in a bathroom, it's likely going to go bad regardless of the law. Also, the police could slap a misdemeanor charge easily enough for something like "causing a disturbance to general order" or some such.

The best thing to do is avoid multi-stall bathrooms in general when presenting as something other than your birth sex. Use gender neutral signed bathrooms, family bathrooms, single occupancy bathrooms, very lightly used bathrooms, etc. Better yet, go right before you leave home and you might be able to avoid using a restroom entirely.

[LeslieSD]

It is one thing trying to avoid complicated situation. It helps to do that. But it is another thing to know the law so we can defend ourselves when the situation gets bad.

Example, I drive conservatively. If someone cuts in front of me or run the stop sign when I have the right of way to go first, I just let them. I like to avoid accident as well as avoid the complexity. But if that situation turned into an accident (e.g., a real accident when cars collide), I would want to defend myself with the knowledge that I do have the right-of-way over the other party.

That's why a lot of us are interested in what the law really says. It could be three ways, either
(1) CD has the right to use the bathroom of the gender that they present (explicitly allow);
(2) People has to use the bathroom of their physical gender (explicitly prohibit);
(3) No law on this issue.

So we should not just look for "explicitly allow" law, but also watch for the "explicitly prohibit" law as well.

[Kari Lynn Franks]

I dont know if it is a city ordnence or state law but here in austin texas we are allowed to use the womans restroom

[Persephone]

Follow the reference links at the end of this report.

http://www.traditionalvalues.org/read/3111/summary-of-transgender-law-center-report-peeing-in-peace-a-resource-guide-for-transgender-activists-and-allies/

Thanks for the reference material, Eluuzion! Very good research work on your part.


I have always been curious who could "hold it" longer...guys or girls ??
ok, kind of a thread hijack, eh...sorry bout' dat'
...if you just don't make eye contact, I usually just go away (like dogs/cats)...lol

Don't know who actually "could" hold it longer in a competition (but be careful issuing challenges, a woman in Sacramento died of "water intoxication" during a radio station contest of "Hold your wee."), but, traditionally, women usually do hold it longer.

Back in the 70's I actually did some anecdotal research on this. As posted on a thread (http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101257&highlight=hold+it) last February, most men would go to the potty when they reached the peak of their first urge, seldom delaying past that point, whereas most women (particularly in the days of complicated lingerie) would almost always wait until at least the second peak, and often until the third. Some women have told me that it is simply "mind over matter."

[Kerigirl2009]

The only time I went out en femme I had to use the bathroom and was instructed at the club, CD/TV night to use the mens room. So I did. I had to stand because their was no way I was putting my behind near that seat.
Funny thing as I was checking my face before exiting 2 GGs came in to use the nasty stall. So I am totally confused but try to avoid if at all possible. I would prefer to use the uni-sex facilities.

On another note when it comes to locker rooms CD's like me should not use the womens locker room under any circumstance. if presenting as female use the family locker rooms and change in the private rooms. IMHO.

I would be upset if a CD was changing in front of my daughter and even I would cause a problem for the one changing.

Sorry off topic, but I think it has to do with the same issues.

[WendyH]

I was told by a police officer that Tennessee has no law that bars use of a restroom based on sex/gender. Some states do, or so he said. However, Tennessee also has no laws protecting Trans folks, either, to my knowledge.

[Sarah_new]

Interesting thread.

However, does anyone know what the situation is in the U.K?

[Erica2Sweet]

This is definitely an interesting topic. I do most of my public outings in Ohio and Indiana, and as of right now I don't know of any laws protecting us from prosecution for using the opposite gender's restroom facilities.

For now, I simply don't use public restrooms when I'm in girl mode, as uncomfortable as that sometimes becomes.

[Paula Siemen]

The below article was written in refernce to a transitioning Dallas Police Office who attended the Dallas cd organization Metroplex Crossdressers Club. In brief it states that in Dallas, crossdressers may use the restroom of the gender that they are presenting themselves, but if issues arise with other customers, the proprietor can request that you leave the premisis. Its the general issue of You have the right, but do you want to make a big scene to prove the issue, or just comply and move on. However, legally the situation probably could not be taken further unless the officer on hand wanted to push the situation as "disturbing the peace" which has very broad (no pun intended) interpretation. I usually try to watch the door of the ladies room and predict when there will be few if ang GG's in there, then enter descretely, go directly to a stall, take care of business, and exit as quickly as possible. Sometimes this requires the ommission of washing my hands if other GG's have entered while I'm in the stall, otherwise a quick handwash, hair and lipstick check and exit work pretty well. I've never had a problem in my Ladies' Restroom experiences.

http://www.edgedallas.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=features&sc3=&id=81714

Paula

[kimmy p]

I have stated this before, and I will not make many friends here, but unless you are transitioning it is not right for you to go into the woman's restroom for one big reason. Most of the Genetic women DON'T WANT US THERE no matter how we are dressed. My wife loves me and accepts my clothing choices, but she still doesn't want a man in the girls potty. Just as I would prefer not to have a girl in the men's room. We need to look past our own selfish needs and realize that we are a minority out in public, and one of us going into the restroom of the opposite gender is just asking for the "Pervert" tag to applied, again. My .02, and sorry if I insulted anybody.

[Shelly Preston]

I was once asked

Did you use the ladies restroom to which I replied yes adding the comment

I would be really asking for trouble going into the gents dressed as a lady

I have never had any trouble as I use the policy recommended here of getting in and out as quick as possible but still washing hands etc

[JulieC]

I have stated this before, and I will not make many friends here, but unless you are transitioning it is not right for you to go into the woman's restroom for one big reason. Most of the Genetic women DON'T WANT US THERE no matter how we are dressed. My wife loves me and accepts my clothing choices, but she still doesn't want a man in the girls potty. Just as I would prefer not to have a girl in the men's room. We need to look past our own selfish needs and realize that we are a minority out in public, and one of us going into the restroom of the opposite gender is just asking for the "Pervert" tag to applied, again. My .02, and sorry if I insulted anybody.

I would much, much rather be called a pervert than have my skull bashed in.

If ever I'm out fully en femme, I will NOT use a men's room unless I know it's deserted and likely to remain deserted.

Also, the two box system of gender fails here. I am not 100% male or 100% female. Neither and both bathrooms are appropriate for me.

[kimmy p]

I would much, much rather be called a pervert than have my skull bashed in.

If ever I'm out fully en femme, I will NOT use a men's room unless I know it's deserted and likely to remain deserted.

Also, the two box system of gender fails here. I am not 100% male or 100% female. Neither and both bathrooms are appropriate for me.

While I disagree with you choice, I totally agree with the last 2 lines. And I will say that I have know a couple of GG's that would kick my a$$ without even trying. Despite me being literally 3 times their size. Please be careful.

[Cassandra]

Whenever I have been dressed and out in public I have always used the women's restroom. I'm not sure if there is a law against it here in Michigan but even if there was I'd still use the women's restroom.

[BarbraAnne]

ON THE FLIP SIDE.....Women seem to have no problem using the men's room when the line gets too long. And no one says anything to them !!!

[Brina Halloween]

Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky and Ohio please...after several weird experiences using the men's since I didn't think I was "passing", apparently initial visual was not that bad. Even when I tried for a single stall restroom, I failed to find one yesterday. :Angry3:

[nikkijo]

as for OREGON LAW.... i shall defer to Stu Rasmussen (sp?) to answer that one.. cause i dont know

[Nicole Erin]

maybe it would just be easier if you told us which states you plan on peein in?
Just a thought.
:heehee: :lol2:

OH boy I just know you were probably reading some of mine, trannie T, or Karren's responses when you thought of something like that.

While Kelly is right, she forgot to mention that some states do not have restrooms. Look at mapquest.com to find out which states have restrooms and which don't.

[vetobob9]

Lousie, that was a friend of mine (Samantha) and it happened at a Sizzler Steak House near Berkeley in the San Francisco Bay area. The guy was defending his wife based of her false accusations. He must have called the police because they contacted my friend since it was her car that he tried to block as they left. The police told Samantha that they had explained to the complaining guy that the Tgirls had the legal right to be in the ladies restroom as long as they were just doing their business. He also told Samantha that he did not think that the complaining guy would take it any further with charges. As far as I know nothing else came of it and it was well over 6 months ago. I use the woman's restroom everywhere here in the San Francisco area, including at theaters during intermission when you have to stand in line with all the other women while waiting for your turn in the stall. When in the Detroit, Michigan this past year, I asked the local girls what they recommended and they said use the woman's restroom, so I did at the bars and the Detroit Institute of Arts museum with Gina from this site.
Can you say, "Civil Rights Lawsuit"? What that "father" did sounds a lot like harrassment and unlawful detainer. He could have gotten jail time.

[Katie145]

I have stated this before, and I will not make many friends here, but unless you are transitioning it is not right for you to go into the woman's restroom for one big reason. Most of the Genetic women DON'T WANT US THERE no matter how we are dressed. My wife loves me and accepts my clothing choices, but she still doesn't want a man in the girls potty. Just as I would prefer not to have a girl in the men's room. We need to look past our own selfish needs and realize that we are a minority out in public, and one of us going into the restroom of the opposite gender is just asking for the "Pervert" tag to applied, again. My .02, and sorry if I insulted anybody.

I've long been conflicted on this issue, as it has been my desire to go into the ladies room while en femme. However, after reading this thread, I agree with the above statement the most. Yes, I know it presents a problem in a busy public place, but you can, if you try, make alternative arrangements. Options like: Single-stall bathrooms, where you'd be the only one in there and lock the door behind you (think bathrooms in places like Starbucks). Family or unisex bathrooms, as others have said. In a pinch, multi-stall bathrooms when you KNOW you'd be the only one in there and no one else would come in while you're there (think hotel pool locker-rooms when you're the only one around). I just don't think I'd ever be comfortable going into the ladies room in a busier public place... not because I'd be worried what people think of me, but more out of concern of the comfort level of the GGs who are/would be in there while I'm there. As stated above, if you're transitioning, I think it's a much, much different story. Otherwise, I think it's selfish to put what you think is "right" over other people's comfort level. Hopefully the general attitude of the public will change in the near future, but until then, I think we owe it to them to respect their feelings. Only then can we expect to see a reciprical response.

[Jamie001]

It is really interesting that in France they have unisex bathrooms. It's too bad we don't implement this concept in America.

[Sally24]

Most of the Genetic women DON'T WANT US THERE no matter how we are dressed.

We need to look past our own selfish needs and realize that we are a minority out in public.

Have to disagree, strongly. When out in public presenting and behaving as a woman I have every right to use the "appropriate" restroom. Just because not all states have ammended their laws to reflect the need for access to basic bathroom and civil rights is no reason for me to risk exposing myself to danger in a men's room.

Saying MOST of the genetic women don't want us there is just silly. I doubt very much that MOST women agree on many things and of course you haven't talked to MOST women. I've used hundreds of ladies room and have yet to even have a bad look, let alone a confrontation.

As for needing to use a safe rest room being selfish, that is just being pejorative without any cause. We all deserve access to safe, clean, personal needs areas. Being a minority doesn't reduce your rights in a moral society.

You also might want to stay on topic. This wasn't a discussion of whether we should use the ladies room. It was meant to catalog the progressive states that specifically protect that right for us. If you want to discuss the morality of it you're welcome to do that on your on thread.

[Nicole Erin]

This arguing about where to drop a deuce or whizz is old and silly.

Here is how to use the restroom folks -

go to the restrooms, kind of make sure no one is in there, go in, take care of business, get out.

OR, maybe on the way there or back stop by some place like a gas station where the restroom locks and are single occupancy so no one will walk in and catch you hiking up your skirt to piss like I do.

Man, people read way too much into restroom stuff.

I guess it is easy for me to say cause one time I got into some trouble over using the women's room. I was en femme. But then the day was saved when Super Tranny flew in to my rescue.
Super tranny is Superman dressed en femme. I hope she don't read this but those blue tights are SO 1970's.

[LeslieSD]

I agree with Sally. She made the point very well.

A lot of people (even majority) may not like a particular group (a minority, say, gay, TG). That's where exactly the laws came in to protect the rights.

That's what we are trying to figure out here - What the laws are in terms of the restroom access rights, or restrictions. They may even be proposed to your representative if these are not clearly specified regulations.



Have to disagree, strongly. When out in public presenting and behaving as a woman I have every right to use the "appropriate" restroom. Just because not all states have ammended their laws to reflect the need for access to basic bathroom and civil rights is no reason for me to risk exposing myself to danger in a men's room.

Saying MOST of the genetic women don't want us there is just silly. I doubt very much that MOST women agree on many things and of course you haven't talked to MOST women. I've used hundreds of ladies room and have yet to even have a bad look, let alone a confrontation.

As for needing to use a safe rest room being selfish, that is just being pejorative without any cause. We all deserve access to safe, clean, personal needs areas. Being a minority doesn't reduce your rights in a moral society.

You also might want to stay on topic. This wasn't a discussion of whether we should use the ladies room. It was meant to catalog the progressive states that specifically protect that right for us. If you want to discuss the morality of it you're welcome to do that on your on thread.

[CharleneT]

Well, Iowa has a recently enacted law which protects the rights of transgendered folks in public facilities ( almost identical wording to the CA law). Since I'm full time, I checked with the local police and the Iowa Civil Rights Commission to see what those two groups had to say... which is very enlightening.

local police: you can only use the bathroom for which you have the correct "anatomy" (literally those were the words used)

Iowa CRC: you are allowed to use any public facilities for the gender you are presenting.

Seem at odds ? Yuppers! I even asked the dispatcher to check with the watch Commander ( which she did - exact same answer). When I was talking the ICRC folks I asked about this. Their answer was simply this: the law here hasn't been tested in court and as such, the police are unlikely to enforce it. The lady I was talking to said this is a common situation with newer laws, especially those that go counter to the old statues. She went on to say that they would gladly defend me if I ever did have trouble with this issue. I then went to the city governments Human Rights official and explained what I was told. Her reaction was to say that she would definitely give the police "another presentation about this issue ....". The law itself became effective July 1, 2007. So it will take time before they change their attitudes.

The moral is that even if there is a law to protect you, that doesn't mean you will not have trouble with that issue. Especially if it involves TG rights. I encourage everyone to go ahead and follow the local laws ... just be aware that in some cases you might still run into issues over it. Personally, I've never had trouble in a bathroom and don't really expect to. Other places are different (locker rooms etc).

Charlene

[JulieK1980]

does anyone know the laws in PA??

[Fab Karen]

Have to disagree, strongly. When out in public presenting and behaving as a woman I have every right to use the "appropriate" restroom. Just because not all states have ammended their laws to reflect the need for access to basic bathroom and civil rights is no reason for me to risk exposing myself to danger in a men's room.

Saying MOST of the genetic women don't want us there is just silly. I doubt very much that MOST women agree on many things and of course you haven't talked to MOST women. I've used hundreds of ladies room and have yet to even have a bad look, let alone a confrontation.

As for needing to use a safe rest room being selfish, that is just being pejorative without any cause. We all deserve access to safe, clean, personal needs areas. Being a minority doesn't reduce your rights in a moral society.

EXACTLY.
This tangential subject has been discussed before, and every one of the GG's that commented on it said it was no big deal, we should use the ladies room.
And everyone please take an extra minute & wash your hands, most women would be disgusted to see you walk out of a stall & leave without doing so ( and you should regardless of gender identity anyway ).

[CharleneT]

does anyone know the laws in PA??

Doesn't look like it is at the state level, but in some towns there are local laws. Check this out:

http://www.padiversity.org/ProtectedClasses.html

The entire site looks like a good reference for those who live in PA.

[vetobob9]

Whoa there. That's offensive. I see anyone leaving a restroom without washing their hands, be they male, female, or trans, I'm calling to the sanitation police. j/k

On the serious side, either they need seperate restrooms for CD's and Trans or they need to mandate unisex restrooms. The current system is a relic of the US' prudish puritan days.

I believe we have come a long way in proving, scientifically, that GG's are just as capable of fending for themselves as the macho male. In many areas, GG's clearly have superior mental skills as indicated by the fact that cerebullum and the bridge between the left and right wings of the brain is considerably bigger in women than in macho men.
I use the term "macho men" in this case because men who cross dress or who feel they are women trapped in men's bodies, have a brain structure actually identical to a woman's.

And what we bring from this is that you possess advanced mental abilities while the dude that stalks you and makes harassing comments is a neandertal stuck in the past. :D

[Emma Leigh]

You Americans are eons ahead of the UK as far as attitudes to CDs in general, never mind this particular topic are concerned. You appear to have simply a more liberal attitude to minorities of any kind, although we all know this was not always the case. Here in the UK, dare to be different, you risk a beating! I have been attacked for simply having long hair,therefore I must be gay!, even though I had my SO in tow. The majority of men I encounter in this country disgust me with their primitive / macho attitudes, which I know is all a sham, cos given the first chance for fancy dress ie. New Year etc. they will all be dressed has tarty schoolgirls! So with regard to the bathroom, as you Americans call it, I do honestly believe that the law in my country would probably / maybe /might arrest, or more likely, talk to the person / persons that jumped on your head for just not fitting to their stereotype, and tell them in no uncertain terms, that if they did it again, they would shout at them. So my advise is go before you leave, and dont drink while your out. I do however, live in the country, this may not apply to city folk.

[linnea]

You might benefit from checking this site out: http://www.transgenderlaw.org/ndlaws/index.htm

It has a map and other information about protections for CDs and transgenders. About a dozen states and the District of Columbia are pretty clearly on the side of transgenders using facilities that match the gender they are presenting.
Some other states have administrative codes that offer similar protection but that's harder to determine.

[Billijo49504]

linnea, Thanks for the link. It appears that Michigan has a law to protect us, but I still try to find a family restroom. The funny part is the date on the bill is my birthday, last year.:hugs:..BJ

[JulieK1980]

Doesn't look like it is at the state level, but in some towns there are local laws. Check this out:

http://www.padiversity.org/ProtectedClasses.html

The entire site looks like a good reference for those who live in PA.
Very useful! Thank you! :)

[vetobob9]

When there is only one restroom available, they are legally required to allow you to use it, regardless of your gender. So if the men's room is not working, they have to let men use the ladies room and if the ladies room is not working then they have to let the ladies use the men's room.
This is a basic human right found in a legal document known as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Particularly as it relates to dignity.
You cannot put a person in situation where they are forced to wet or poop themselves because you would not allow them use of available restroom facilities. That would be a huge civil rights law suit.
But if there are two facilities available, I would suggest using the one marked as male, as uncomfortable as that might be. Unless they have a policy that permits your usage of the female side.
I understand the reasons why people who are dressed as women do not want to use the men's room. There is still a great of intolerance in our society and it would be preferable for all involved to have a third facility available or we could save money and adapt the french model of having unisex bathrooms. But in a prudish society in which everything is given sexual implications, unisex restrooms are long way off.

[Being Paige]

I have used the women's facilties while dressed with out issue while out dressed.

[CharleneT]

You might benefit from checking this site out: http://www.transgenderlaw.org/ndlaws/index.htm

It has a map and other information about protections for CDs and transgenders. About a dozen states and the District of Columbia are pretty clearly on the side of transgenders using facilities that match the gender they are presenting.
Some other states have administrative codes that offer similar protection but that's harder to determine.

Great info on that site ! Interesting how that map looks too :doh:

[Tamara Croft]

As of 3 years ago Maine does! Just had several cases concerning it that were found in favor of the TG. One in a Denny's restaurant with an adult and one with a child in her school.

How about other states?READ THIS POST AGAIN. If you post any more off topic posts or arguing, you'll be banned from posting in this thread, is that clear? This is an excellent thread for information, but some of you are ruining it, so knock it off!!

[funazgirl28]

How can I find out what the laws are in arizona with regards to restrooms in the malls, and other public areas?

[AllieSF]

Probably the easiest way would be to contact the local police department and ask them. They would be the enforcers of state and local laws. Just be ready to explain in what part of the T spectrum that you are. I have seen that the some laws were specifically written to handle TS's in some phase of their transition, while others are more vague. The CDer usually falls at the end and may have diferrent requirements/limitations than a TS. It will also depend on their interpretation and their guidleines for enforcing those laws, which may vary from locale to locale. You could also contact the local Mall and ask them directly what they know and recommend, though they may err on the conservative side so as not to upset the majority of their customers. If you do call, please share your results.

[eluuzion]

States with Restroom Laws
http://www.hrc.org/issues/workplace/equal_opportunity/9602.htm

Transgender Laws for each State
http://www.hrc.org/issues/transgender/transgender_laws.asp

Transgender Legislation for each State
http://www.hrc.org/issues/transgender/transgender_legislation.asp

[Joni Marie Cruz]

Thank you so much for the information and the comprehensive links. They're a great help.

Hugs...Joni Mari

[jenifer m.]

any info out there on floridas laws?any florida girls know any thing?

[Genifer Teal]

New York City has laws protecting us. Unfortunately the police are not fully aware of this law. I know NYC is a city & not a state. Hope I'm not too far off topic. lol :tongueout

Gen

[VikkiVixen7188]

I dunno what Nebraska laws are on that, but Im not Transgendered, Im have guy parts so I think that means I belong in the mens room. Thats just my 2 cents though.

[DonnaT]

See also http://www.transgenderlaw.org/ndlaws/index.htm#jurisdictions

under U.S. Jurisdictions with Policies Regarding Restroom and Gender Specific Facilities