The world has progressed wonderfully and has opened its doors to people of all kinds. While this is a wonderful thing, some people have trouble changing with the world. These people cannot yet change themselves, so they attack others for their ease of accepting everyone.

Some people can still feel uncomfortable with their identity as a result of transphobia- because these uneducated people will not accept them. Those who are non-binary, transgender, or genderfluid are faced with ridicule and abuse for choosing the “wrong” bathroom to enter.

Public places should offer gender-neutral bathrooms to accommodate those who feel uncomfortable entering the uncompromising, gender rigid public restroom.

Gender neutral bathrooms are not only a way to welcome those who do not fit into the mold of two particular genders, it is also a safety matter. Many people who identify as transgender or non-binary have been assaulted in public restrooms simply for existing as themselves.

In 2009 alone, “68% of transgender survey respondents were ‘denied access to, verbally harassed in, and/or physically assaulted in public bathrooms’”(Reich). People should not have to worry about being attacked in a public bathroom, especially if they are already uncomfortable entering.

This abuse can not only damage one physically, it can also damage someone mentally. Just openly being part of LGBTQ+ community can cause stress ; in fact, “’being a sexual and gender minority in particular — is related to psychological distress,’” (Anders).

Opening oneself up to others is a huge act of bravery, yet many people are still ridiculed for having the courage to be themselves. Out of those who are young and are bullied for showing others who they are, “Nearly 94 percent have considered suicide. Almost 40 percent have attempted it.” (Anders).

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Many of these percentiles are only children, and they already feel out of place in the world. While it might not solve everything, having a gender-neutral bathroom could really help those who feel left out begin to feel welcomed.

Some people bring up the concern of sexual assault if men are allowed into women’s bathrooms, and if women are allowed into men’s bathrooms. While this concern is valid, those who are transgender transition to become the gender that fits who they really are.

If a woman is transgender, she is no longer a man because she never truly was one in the first place. Gender identity and AGAB (assigned gender at birth) are two separate things- trans men and trans women were always exactly who they say they are.

The idea that a transgender woman is still a man, who would commit heinous crimes, proves that a lot of discrimination against transgender people “is based on a flawed understanding of what it means to be transgender,” (National Center for). A lot of transphobia stems from a lack of empathy and understanding. If more people were willing to educate others on the matter, perhaps there would be less backlash.

Public restrooms have a negative connotation for those who undergo transition because of the fear of not feeling included. With gender-neutral bathrooms, everyone would have a place.

Unisex bathrooms are a perfect example of how people can treat others with kindness, without going completely out of their way, alienating those who simply want to be treated like everyone else. With the world evolving at the pace it is, things need to change. While every mistake and issue cannot be solved in one day, a lot of ridicule can be stopped with the use of unisex bathrooms.