Is it illegal to go into the ladies room

[Kimmie]

I'd like to know if it is technically illegal for a guy en femme. (or not for that matter) to go into the ladies room? Has anybody heard of anybody getting in trouble by doing this?

[Karren H]

I've never been caught and never heard of anyone getting arrested before....

[Tomara]

I have used the ladies room on several occasions out of necessitity (couldn`t wait in the mens line) and never had any problems other that some strange looks , probably because I was in guy mode . Hey if you have to go you have to go ! :heehee: Tomara

[Empress Lainie]

In NV you can get arrested for being in the "wrong" restroom, but if you are dressed femme, and don't speak in a low pitch voice, no one is going to bother you. I always use the women's since my 24/7 started and talk with other women in there, never had any problem.

Since my DL says F on it, if anyone bothered me, I would simply show it to them.

I wanted to go wash my hands after eating the other night and they had mopped the ladies room floor, and a cleaning lady was outside by the mop buckets, I motioned if I could go in, and she pointed to the men's whereas I said very indignantly I AM FEMALE. She then motioned me in and apologized. Now I have to say there is no way she would have taken me for a man anyway.

When I came out a few minutes later we exchanged waves and smiles.

[Amy Hepker]

It used to be illegal to CD in Iowa at one time.

[Shannen]

This has come up many times and I fully understand your desire to know! I'll try to sum up what I've gathered from searching the threads...

When it comes down to it, just breathing in public can get you arrested if the situation is right. I don't think that happens often, but I suppose a police officer may construe charges to deal with people that are causing problems or hanging out with those that do.

I assume that is not your intention, so... If you are presenting as a female, use the ladies room. Don't make a scene, stand facing the toilet, or get overly chatty at the mirror when you are done. When you sit down start the paper unrolling right away. (I thought that was crazy, but listen sometime and you'll hear!) If you have a full bladder the sound of the urine stream straight into the water may be a new sound to the others in the stalls around you! Not sure how to fix that!

If you have the ability to hold it in case they say NO, you can always ask the owner first... if there is one. Try to find places that have individual restrooms that lock. I can't imagine what problems could arise in that situation.

Now, for one of my secrets that I haven't shared before... :heehee:

Medical facilities! There are hospitals/clinics in every town, and they all have restrooms spread out from the front lobby to every hallway you could walk down. Many of them are of the individual variety. And every employee of a medical facility on the USA is bound by law to keep your privacy! Even if they know you, they could be reprimanded by initiating contact with you outside of their immediate job duty! I also suspect that most people that read a crossdresser going into a hospital/clinic would assume they are there for cd related issues. (could be a positive or negative conclusion... I don't know)

Every situation is different. I hope you find helpful suggestions for you here.

"Should I walk past those rednecks to use the ladies room at the side of the gas station that is not well lit?" ... you could say no to that!

:hugs:Shannen

P.S. If you search the threads you will find listings of places that have specific local laws. There ARE some places that have laws on the books prohibiting it, but like I said before, enforcement would depend on you or someone else making a scene. All I know is that Madison, WI seems to be a place I am comfortable using the ladies rooms...

[Holly]

The technical legality of a male using the ladies restroom facilities will vary depending on where you are. Although I have never heard of anyone being arrested for "peeing in the wrong potty," there are some instances of arrest for causing a public disturbance.

I belong to a group that plans transgender activities and we have restroom information that you can review here (http://geekbabe.com/dlv/rroom.html).

[Shannen]

Holly, that is a great document! Thanks for linking it.

... and it reminds me to say, if you are dressed as a man, using the mens room, and cause a commotion, you would have the exact same chances of being arrested for disorderly.

[Empress Lainie]

Check out safe2pee.org also.

[Nicole Erin]

Just don't stand to pee and if you DO stand to pee in the womens room, don't leave the seat up after.
Leaving the seat up in the women's room IS illegal, punishable by being flogged by an angry mob of women. :heehee:

[Emily Anderson]

I've never heard of anyone being arrested for using the wrong toilet, other than those that have appeared in news stories, but I'm assuming that they had something else going on other than simply relieving themselves...

It takes more than being a CD to make the news.

[jennifer24]

Look up the thread BATHROOM ISSUE`S. there are also helpful hints in there.
HOLLY, that was a great link also.My opinion is use the bathroom that you are dressed for, do you`re business, don`t cause any problems and get out. Just a hint if you do use the ladies, try to look passable.:)

[Joy Carter]

The technical legality of a male using the ladies restroom facilities will vary depending on where you are. Although I have never heard of anyone being arrested for "peeing in the wrong potty," there are some instances of arrest for causing a public disturbance.

I belong to a group that plans transgender activities and we have restroom information that you can review here (http://geekbabe.com/dlv/rroom.html).

Hollys right. Get in do your necessary and go. If a GG gets upset that your in there, vacate the establishment before the police arrive. Causing a disturbance (Disorderly Conduct) in most states is unlawful. The code in Ohio reads in short, "Cause panic, annoyance or undue alarm to any persons or ordinary sensibilities." And any "normal" GG if you will, may take your presence the wrong way, then your in for a lot of trouble.

So far I have been in numerous women's rest rooms. And haven't had a problem. I was engaged in conversation with a young woman, who told me I had good taste in clothes. We were the only two there at the time. And obviously she wasn't threatened. Just use good sence when out and about.:thumbsup:

[Niya W]

Not in California, in fact if you are presenting as female in California you can not be made to use the mens bathroom

[TxKimberly]

I don't know about the legality of it, but I have used the female bathroom often and never been hassled. In fact in Detroit I was at the Casino and used the bathroom. As I came out of the stall to wash my hands I found a female security guard washing hers. I'll be honest, that sort of sent my heart into my throat, but she looked right at me and smiled.

[Mollyanne]

I don't know about the legality of it, but I have used the female bathroom often and never been hassled. In fact in Detroit I was at the Casino and used the bathroom. As I came out of the stall to wash my hands I found a female security guard washing hers. I'll be honest, that sort of sent my heart into my throat, but she looked right at me and smiled.

Kim, You have nothing to worry about!!!!

Hugs Mollyanne

[SweetCaroline]

I don't know about legality, but here in Massachusetts, many places have a third, or tri-gendered bathroom. I can't see it Illegal to use either an male or female bathroom unless you were doing something illegal, I.E smoking pot...etc.

I personally think public bathroom segregation has got to end.

Carrie.

[Kristen Kelly]

Not in California, in fact if you are presenting as female in California you can not be made to use the mens bathroom

The same is true in New Jersey, restrooms and fitting rooms in stores, we have some of the best Transgender laws for equality, It's funny but in my "Drab" attire with my long hair and small hoop earings I do get some funny looks when I use the men's room

[victoriamwilliams1]

"Should I walk past those rednecks to use the ladies room at the side of the gas station that is not well lit?" ... you could say no to that!



I agree with that statement.

Now this is a topic that shows up allot, so heres my answer.

Find a unisex restroom or as mentioned a single room restroom. When I am out I know what places to go to to use the restroom.

What you want to avoid is being on the news because you used a tree and did not see the teenagers watching you or worst being caught on camera going behind a garbage dumpster.

[Suzy Harrison]

I think I'd be more likely to get arrested if I tried to use the mens rooms.

As long as you look as if you fit in, then no one is going to bother you. I've used the ladies room many times without any problems..

[shirley1]

Well I use the ladies toilets all the time now when en femme, here in england no worries, was nervous to begin with but havent had any problems so far, just go in do what you gotta do and then leave, dont forget to touch your lippie up though as thats what a girl does !

[sterling12]

Better check your Local Statutes and your State Laws. The answer is always: "sometimes it's OK, sometimes not." And you will find a lot of variance from town to town, state to state.

IF IT'S NOT OK, one complaint and the police can use it as a pretext to cart you off to jail. If you ever face such a situation, I would apologize, and beat a hasty retreat. If you back down, it might save you a trip to The Slammer. You can get legal help AFTER the Fact!

When you do your search for applicable law, try something like "gender appropriate bathroom usage." Perhaps someone else can point you in a better direction on where to find the pertinent information, perhaps Holly's link covers about everything.

Peace and Love, Joanie

[Melora]

First of all...
ANYTHING Goes in Casino's.. Believe me.
Also..
Leaving the toilet seat up Anywhere.. Even in my own home is punishable by death. :doh:

[Bev06 GG]

Hi Kimmie,
It depends where you live and because your in the USA I really couldn't tell you. Here in the UK it is not and in france I believe they have unisex loos anyhow.
I wouldn't worry too much, to be honest I'd rather my CD use the ladies wash room than risk going dressed into a male toilets.
Take care
Bev

[Carroll]

Interesting article: http://writ.news.findlaw.com/dorf/20050411.html
and: http://www.transgenderlaw.org/ndlaws/nyccompliance.pdf

[TxKimberly]

I think I'd be more likely to get arrested if I tried to use the mens rooms.

As long as you look as if you fit in, then no one is going to bother you. I've used the ladies room many times without any problems..



Y'all might think she was terrible for doing this, but my own Mother once let it slip what the best method for ditching high school was. You don't sneak over, under, or around the fence, and you don't try to forge a note from Mom, etc, etc. Nah, the best way to ditch high school is to walk right out the front gate of the school while waving good bye to the principle and wishing him a fine day. If you act like you belong and are doing what you should be doing, you can get away with just about anything. I've always tried to bring that philosophy with me in to cross dressing. :-)

[Suzy Harrison]

Y'all might think she was terrible for doing this, but my own Mother once let it slip what the best method for ditching high school was. You don't sneak over, under, or around the fence, and you don't try to forge a note from Mom, etc, etc. Nah, the best way to ditch high school is to walk right out the front gate of the school while waving good bye to the principle and wishing him a fine day. If you act like you belong and are doing what you should be doing, you can get away with just about anything. I've always tried to bring that philosophy with me in to cross dressing. :-)



So true! - If you look like you belong - then you belong!
If you're bold enough you can get away with anything. It's a long story, but one Monday morning I phoned in sick to say I wouldn't be able to make it in that day - and I was phoning from HONG KONG .... ,yes it's a long story.

[Niya W]

Umm that's one hell of an excuse.

I cant just see it now. I cant come into work to day. I'm in Thailand checking out SRS docs

[TxKimberly]

So true! - If you look like you belong - then you belong!
If you're bold enough you can get away with anything. It's a long story, but one Monday morning I phoned in sick to say I wouldn't be able to make it in that day - and I was phoning from HONG KONG .... ,yes it's a long story.



Only you Suzy, only you! :-)

[Nicki B]

Now this is a topic that shows up allot,

There seems to be a new thread asking pretty much the same question about every 3-4 weeks, dunnit? And it's been that way for a long time..

[Joy Carter]

There seems to be a new thread asking pretty much the same question about every 3-4 weeks, dunnit? And it's been that way for a long time..

You don't think it might be there are new girls here, that might want to know do you ? :brolleyes:

[Nicki B]

You don't think it might be there are new girls here, that might want to know do you ? :brolleyes:

What, who don't know how to use the search function, you mean? ;)

I actually think it's more something people really obssess about - and get too close to be able to see the wood for the trees? :)

[sandra-leigh]

If we could get an agreement as to what the best Tag would be for these kinds of postings, I can add them to my list of things to tag.

(I seem to be the most active tagger -- though I am pleased to see that there are other taggers, and that they are creating some great tags that I never thought of.)

[Roberta Llyan]

In different cities in different states, as well as countries, they have DIFFERENT laws. No one here knows the laws in your area. I would strongly advise you not to take anyone's word here unless you are merely conducting a poll to see what kind of answers you get.

Check with your own local law people to learn the city ordinances and the state laws. That is your only SAFE way to know for yourself.

Personally, living in Texas, I've been doing it 24/7 enfemme and using the ladies room everytime I'm in public and have to go pee or otherwise. I go in, do what I have to do in the stall, adjust my makeup and then get the hell out. I don't loiter for that is a sure way to get yourself in trouble. Most women are in there doing the same--peeing, otherwise, and adjusting their makeup. They too leave once they are done.

So if you are a woman in a man's body, go in, do your natural body function and then leave as a LADY would do. Be a lady and you will be treated like a lady. Be a voyeur and you are liable to wind up in the police station.

Success to you.

[Kieron Andrew]

If we could get an agreement as to what the best Tag would be for these kinds of postings, I can add them to my list of things to tag.

(I seem to be the most active tagger -- though I am pleased to see that there are other taggers, and that they are creating some great tags that I never thought of.)

Ive just tagged this thread, bathroom rules, mtf...seems the simpliest tag i could think of

[Joy Carter]

What, who don't know how to use the search function, you mean? ;)

I actually think it's more something people really obssess about - and get too close to be able to see the wood for the trees? :)



New people might not know..........duh !

Trees ? Now there's an option I never thought of. :lol2:

[Niya W]

Hmm I think I said about 12 bathroom post ago about making this a sticky.

[trannie T]

It seems that while we are concerned about violating the law by entering the ladies' room nobody can actually cite a state law or local ordinance. We should each contact our local authorities and find out what the law is and what the local policy may be.
My guess is that the most frequent answer we get will be, "I'll have to check on that, let me get back to you."

[Kristen Kelly]

It seems that while we are concerned about violating the law by entering the ladies' room nobody can actually cite a state law or local ordinance. We should each contact our local authorities and find out what the law is and what the local policy may be.
My guess is that the most frequent answer we get will be, "I'll have to check on that, let me get back to you."

Not true copy of N.J.A.C. 13:8-1.4
69209

[teresa jeen]

screw the law: dammit i gotta pee. now would it be better to go into the mens room dressed as a woman or go to the womens room dressed as a man, if you go into the mens room "they" will think your a ****, if you go into the womens room its not as if youll pee in the sink(hope not). being behind doors helps in the big (or small) of it.

[Suzy Harrison]

Umm that's one hell of an excuse.

I cant just see it now. I cant come into work to day. I'm in Thailand checking out SRS docs



I wish ! - Even worse, I had a second (part time job) at the time and was in Hong Kong for the day because of that.....

[vivianann]

I have used the ladies room a few times, and like the others have said get in do your business and wash your hands and leave. Now when you use the ladies restroom use common sense, never pee standing up. According to Amy at glamour boutique, it was made illegal in Vegas to use the womens room because some dumbass crossdressers were peeing standing up in the ladies restroom. and there were alot of complaints by women which caused the law to come to be. It always takes few to wreck things for the many.
When we dress like a lady we need to act like a lady and pee sitting down.

[sandra-leigh]

Ive just tagged this thread, bathroom rules, mtf...seems the simpliest tag i could think of

There are so many "mtf" posts (over the various forums) that I'm not sure it is worth tagging anything with "mtf". (Note that you cannot create a tag name with a comma in it -- the comma separates tags.)

"bathroom rules"... I might have suggested "which bathroom?" as the tag.

[Dalece]

I have used the ladies room a few times and no problem. one time the bathroom cleaner was sitting outside the mens his cart there just waiting for the floor to dry and I walked right by him into the ladies room and he didn't say anything just smiled and then I walked back out right by him and out the store. Oh this was a WalMart.

[Nicki B]

Trees ? Now there's an option I never thought of. :lol2:

Bushes are better - trust me.

[Emma England]

I would rather use the ladies room, instead of a tree or a bush!!