Vegas and Bathroom Laws

[Sara Olivia]

In a couple of months my wife and I will be visiting Vegas for a few days. My intent had been to spend the entire trip presenting as Sara and for me this was the part of the trip I had been looking forward to the most. I live in Victoria, Canada and for me which bathroom to use has never been much of an issue. Presenting as Sara, I choose to use single occupant women's bathrooms where available but if none are available I have always used the ladies room without incident. Which takes me to my point. Which bathroom to use appears to have suddenly become a very political and controversial hot potato in the US. There seem to be all kinds of laws sprouting up everywhere that prohibit the use of bathroom facilities other than the gender on your birth certificate. My question is twofold. Does anyone know if Nevada has any such laws ? Also I am very curious to hear from you ladies living in the US if things are really as bad as I have been reading in newspapers and online. What have been your experiences? Do you now use only single stall washrooms or do you use whatever ladies room is available. Now I do understand that many of you are extremely passable and would never been seen as anything but female anyways but I would still be interested in your viewpoints. I am kind of nervous now about the prospect of spending my time in Vegas as Sara now. I probably won't yet have a female drivers license and passport by the time the trip happens much less birth certificate. I certainly do not see myself using a men's washroom. I am sorry if this post is in the wrong forum but after looking at all the categories I still felt that you ladies would be able to best answer my questions. Thanks so much for any input.

[Dana44]

If you are in vegas, and look female then use the female bathrooms. I don't know what hotel you are staying in but if you are feminine enough we use the fem bathrooms even here in Texas. But in Vegas, it is pretty loose and enjoy your trip. as your female self. Even going out is no issue and walking the streets.

[Sara Olivia]

Thanks Dana, I appreciate the advice.

[Pat]

Interesting take on Las Vegas bathroom situation from Diva Las Vegas organizer: http://www.geekbabe.com/dlv/rroom.html

In terms of how crazy the US is at the moment, it's hard to get the pulse of things. Some states -- 14 of them, I understand -- have explicit TG protection laws that unambiguously allow transgender people to choose the appropriate bathroom. Massachusetts, my home state, is one of them. Others, like neighboring New Hampshire, are silent on the issue. Very few have laws that explicitly prohibit transgender people from using their bathroom of choice. I have no personal contacts that have been ejected from a bathroom though I know a person who is sometimes questioned in one (to be fair, she uses the ladies room and has a beard. That may be pushing the envelope.) I think the issue is overblown but I can't prove it. Best choice is the same advice that applies in all situations: be sensitive to the vibe of the place you are in; stay situationally aware; adjust your actions to events as they unfold. As the old saying goes, it doesn't matter that you're right if you're dead right.

[Jeri Ann]

Hey Sara,

I always use the women's restroom. Do not go into a men's restroom looking like a girl! Two days ago, at the building where my therapist is, I went into the women's restroom and all the stalls were closed. I hardly ever see anyone in the building and sure didn't expect four women in one restroom all doing the big job. I had to wait for one to finish so I could have a stall. I met one leaving face to face going in and another going out, no problem. It will be ok. If you encounter someone just smile.

[Ineke Vashon]

I'd call the place(s) where you'll be staying in Vegas and ask them. Then take if from there.

Enjoy and hope it will cool off by the time you get there.

Ineke

[Mirya]

Yes, you can use the women's restrooms in Las Vegas if you identify as female. Nevada is one of only 19 states that prohibits discrimination based on gender identity for public accommodations (restrooms). You can find state-by-state information for this and other issues at the Human Rights Campaign website: http://www.hrc.org/state-maps/public-accomodations

Note that the letter of the law specifically states "gender identity", and not "look female enough" or "act feminine enough".

I encourage you to ask your therapist for a 'safe passage' letter stating that you are under their care and undergoing a gender transition (since you are not legally female yet). In case you are ever challenged, you can politely show the letter and explain yourself to diffuse the situation. It probably won't happen, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared, and carrying that letter with you in your purse can help give you a measure of self-confidence (it did for me, until I did my legal name & gender change).

[morgan29]

Sara you should have no problem using the ladies bathroom. I was just there this past April. You will be more than welcome specially if you are in an MGM Grand owned casino. You only have to worry about things like that in southern states like texas. I love my state of Texas but it can be frustrating dealing with ignorance sometimes. Also Houston and Austin is pretty liberal. If you ever went to come this way.

[Julie77]

I have been to Las Vegas multiple times and I haven't had any problems. I have used the restroom in multiple places on the strip and all was good. Vegas is a great place just to have fun and people watch. Downtown can get a little dicey at times so be a little more careful if you head downtown.

[Sara Olivia]

Thank you all so much for your input and advice. It is hugely appreciated. Mirya, thank you for the link to that map. That is very helpful as is your suggestion to get a letter from my therapist. Great advice. Jeri thank you for your input and rest assured that I never have, nor ever will use the men's restroom when presenting as female. That would not go over well here in Canada either and I very much hope to never step into a men's restroom again within a year. Julie, Morgan, Ineke, thank you for the suggestions about Vegas and your comments. Again, very helpful and I will heed them all. Pat, I also read the link that you supplied and found it interesting, helpful and worth reading.

A year ago this question would not have crossed my mind. The United States has always been a leader in respecting and promoting human rights around the globe. The American people that I have met both here and on previous visits to the US have always been among the friendliest and most helpful of people. So when we planned this Vegas trip I never thought about which bathrooms I might be permitted to use. Then with recent events and suddenly I'm reading all these articles on states bringing in bathroom laws, about the risk of transgender women and men pretending to be women assaulting women and little girls in bathrooms - in other words a lot of disturbing stuff. Anyways this is why I posed the question and thank you all for the helpful input. I will spend my time in Vegas being myself, being Sara and will hope that my concerns will have been proven unfounded.

[Krisi]

................. and suddenly I'm reading all these articles on states bringing in bathroom laws, about the risk of transgender women and men pretending to be women assaulting women and little girls in bathrooms - in other words a lot of disturbing stuff. ..............

Unfortunately, with all the competition on TV and the Internet, some people and organizations have taken to sensationalizing events or even creating false events in order to draw viewers and readers to their own outlets (TV, radio or Internet). In other words, there is a lot of "fake news" out there. Don't believe everything you read or see.

As a practical matter, if you pass as a female, you can probably get away with using the female restroom. Possibly a better choice is to use unisex or family restrooms when possible.

State laws are based of the feelings the majority of the voters in those states. Many people feel that men and women don't belong in the same restrooms (especially with children present) and that's why some states have these laws. They are not bad or mean people, it's just their belief. Using unisex or family restrooms avoids offending these people so unless you are an "in your face" type of personality, it's the simplest thing to do.

[docrobbysherry]

I've been to at least 10 T week long events in Vegas. Which included countless trips to public ladies potties all over town. Alone, not with other T's. I'm obviously NOT a female. And, I've had a number of issues with cat calls and rude comments while out there.

But, not even ONE issue using a Women's Restroom in Vegas, Sara!

[Nicole Erin]

Restrooms are always a concern for us Tg who do not pass without question.

I would say though - aside situations like Tg kids in school or gym locker rooms, probably very few TG have had any kind of problems using the female restroom.
We always imagine the gender police taking us away but I bet more TG's have probably been hit by lightning than got arrested or asked to leave for using the women's room.