I find it somewhat ironic that in this era of political correctness and sensitivity training, we can dismiss the sensitivities of others in order to promote what we feel are our own rights. I say this fully aware of the fact that some jurisdictions have legislated that we can use the washrooms of our own choosing. Those lawmakers are also dismissing the sensitivities of others. In an age when we can be fired or charged with harassment for making what some might consider to be a lewd or suggestive remark in the presence of a woman, we can none the less insist on the right to use the female facilities and no one should feel any discomfort whatsoever.

It is a cultural thing. Women in the western world who are middle aged or older have been brought up in a society that segregated the sexes in matters of personal privacy, and allowing men to use the women's washroom can seem like a tremendous invasion of that privacy. This has nothing to do with transphobia or bigotry or fear that we are dangerous perverts. It is simply an instilled belief in what is proper decorum and the polite social graces. Many of the replies by those who regularly use the ladies room, state that they have never encountered any incidents. However, that does not mean that there is not resentment, as the vast majority of people are too polite to cause problems. It could also mean that those CD's are extremely passable, an attribute that many of us could never achieve. Should non-passability be elevated to the status of requiring special legislated protection to enable access to facilities available to some but denied to others because of that inability? Where does it end?

It is also stated by most, that use of the men's facilities is too dangerous when crossdressed. This is a terrible indictment of men, who we must all think of as loutish Neanderthals that cannot be trusted to be civilized, and are prone to physical violence at the slightest provocation. Certainly, there are situations where the men's room can be a dangerous place, but that is the case regardless of what you are wearing. No matter how I am dressed, I try to avoid such places. The same could be said of some women's washrooms, as men do not have a monopoly on boorish behaviour. Those of us who are mostly in the closet are constantly told that it is only are own irrational fear that prevents us from going out. Perhaps it is also that same fear that leads crossdressers to use the women's washroom.

Certainly, those who have transitioned, are in the process of doing so or have chosen to present as female more or less full time should be allowed access to the ladies room. However does that mean all crossdressers should be granted the same privilege, regardless of other factors such as their obvious maleness? Instead of pushing for the right to infringe on the privacy of others, however worthwhile we might consider that to be, perhaps the onus should be on the crossdresser to do his research, and know what type of washrooms will be available before venturing into any public establishment. Also, we should be pushing for more single user washrooms, family restrooms, and even locking outer doors on smaller two or three user facilities. I have seen these in some smaller restaurants and truck stops. I, for one, have no desire to go where my presence is not wanted (if you will pardon the pun).

Veronica