Pissed

I used to share a restroom with a transgender colleague.  When she started with our company, she presented as a man.  As time passed, she began dressing in women's clothing, wearing jewelry and makeup.

And then, one Friday, she left the office as Aaron, and returned Monday as Erin*.

The gossip mill had already been churning, and I had heard it was coming.  We had all talked about it ad nauseum, and a male colleague asked me about how I would feel sharing a bathroom with a biological man.

I told him I didn't care because of the stalls.



But the first time I saw Erin in the ladies room, I was surprised.  I'm sure I looked visibly surprised.  But I recovered, smiled, washed my hands and left.

I would see her a number of times in the bathroom over the next couple of months, and then she left the company.

I never felt assaulted or concerned or violated.

I don't hang out in the bathroom.  If I'm in there, I have business.  Ok, occasionally, we'll linger there to talk away from the general work population, but for the most part, if I'm in there, I either need to eliminate, or occasionally cry in the privacy of a stall.  That's it.

I don't care what Erin's parts are, or who she likes to use them with.  The only time that would matter is if I wanted to date Erin, which I did not.  She was married, anyway. 

So, I guess what it comes down to is this.  Transsexuals need to pee just like everyone else.  And sure, Ted Cruz, they could just "do that at home" - but sometimes, even if you went before you left, you have to go again.  That's biology.  Does it how they pee?  No, I don't care. 

You know what I do find disturbing in public restrooms?  People who don't flush.  People who pee on the seats and don't clean up.  People who don't wash their hands.

But someone who struggles with their gender and just wants to go out without the fear of wetting their pants?  Not disturbing.

People who have a problem with those folks?  Disturbing.

ae

*Not her actual names, but you get the idea.

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