Use of the restroom

[RickiT]

I would like to go out fully dressed but what happens when you are out in public and have to go to the restroom? A man in the ladies room will get you arrested here.

[DonnaT]

See if there is a unisex restroom available; use the ladies quitely and quickly; or use the gents with head held high.

Some links which might be useful:

http://www.transgenderlaw.org/ndlaws/in ... isdictions

The jurisdictions listed below have explicit language and policies regarding restroom use and other gender specific facilities: . . .

Washington State has a compliance checklist for entities, and a frequently asked questions document, that explains that restroom access is to be afforded to individuals based on the gender a person asserts, or their gender identity, depending on the document. Click here to see the Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Questions page.

http://www.hrc.org/issues/gender-identi ... y-laws.htm

http://www.hrc.org/issues/transgender/t ... r_laws.asp

http://www.hrc.org/issues/transgender/t ... lation.asp[/url]

[Pat]

Just remember that if you use the ladies rest room, sit down!!! otherwise it could be a dead giveaway

[Kimberly Kael]

The law in Washington State grants you the right to use restroom facilities that match your gender identity, even if that doesn't align with your anatomy. It can still be a mess to be accused in the first place, and I'm not 100% sure what the law says about someone whose gender identity is fluid - as it is for most crossdressers. In general, though, if you are respectful and don't give mixed cues (like female clothing with a beard) you might be surprised at how little attention you get. I've been involved with events in states with less permissive laws (Nevada) and while I've heard of CDers being kicked out of the ladies' room nobody at the event has ever seen legal repurcussions.

Still, if you're not comfortable with the idea it's best just to use the restroom before leaving home and limit your liquid intake. I suspect that's where most people begin.

[KimberlyS]

The unisex restroom is a good choice. My experience is if you blend ok (do not need to fully pass), just go in , get in a stall, sit, go, use paper, flush, wash hands and leave. Do not take extra time just do what you need to do and get out. Do not try to avoid eye contact, smile/and or say hi. Women are friendly.

But do what you are comfortable doing and what is legal may be different.

Good Luck.

kimberlys-cd
joe in a skirt

[Absaroka]

Unisex restroom is a good choice, and if not I personally favor a dumpster out back or a tree. I used to do this as a guy anyway as I sometimes have a bashful kidney.

Zari

[JoAnnDallas]

Here in Dallas, TX, we too have the right to use the Ladies restroom when we are are fully dressed. A lot of us carry a copy of that part of the City law that states this, just in case there is ever a problem. I have been going out for 5 years and not once have I had a problem using the Ladies Restroom anywhere I have been.

As someone noted, just walk in, find a stall, close and lock the door, SIT, do your business, unlock and leave the stall, check yourself in the mirror and leave the restroom. I am sure that after a few time you too will notice that no one even takes any notice of you.

[Lily]

Do these cities that give us the right to restrooms also give us the right to dressing rooms in stores?

[Elizabeth]

Hi girls,

I have never had any trouble using the women's restroom in public even though California does not specifically protect this right. The law does however protect the transgendered from discrimination in "Public Accommodations". Since everyone is not asked to prove what gender they are before using a restroom, it would still be discrimination if a transgendered person were asked to do so.

In fact I have never been treated anything but nice and respectful when out in public, as far as establishments are concerned. Apparently my money is as good as anyone else's.

Love always,
Elizabeth

[Kimberly Kael]

Do these cities that give us the right to restrooms also give us the right to dressing rooms in stores?

it probably falls under the umbrella of "public accomodations" which is usually how the restroom rights are granted. It also doesn't much matter since I've never been to a store that would know the law or consider involving the police. They'll either happily let you try articles on - or not, in which case quoting the law seems irrelevant because I'd rather not shop there.

In practice I've never been anywhere that didn't let me use the change rooms. Twice I've asked an unsure sales associate to check with their manager, but that's that.

[Virginia]

I am not an attorney, but I will play one tomorrow in court, but that is another story.

The difference would fall between "public accommodations" and "private enterprises." I am sure that most stores have rules in how to deal with "us." Since this topic has come up before and some of our sisters have experienced both sides of the issue, that is one, having no problem at all to being "ask"/ told to try the stuff on in the male changing rooms.

I think we can understand that from the store's point of view as I know I have personally seen women in the women's changing rooms, walking between stalls with their girlfriends wearing only their bra's and panties and to read one of us in "their domain" in their undies could give rise to, can I say riot!!!!!??

If the SA reads you and most will either have no problem, depending on the store policy, or they will ask you to please us the men's changing room. If, however, it is a ladies only store, again they will either allow you try on the things or in some cases, they may ask you to wait while they check the area to see if it is vacant or worse case scenario it they will say, sorry, no way!!! At that point the onus falls on you as to how you handle the situation.

Quick story, I was in North Miami Beach in, well I could not call it a mall, as the stores were the most upscale you can imagine with a lot of the world renown designers having stores there. I saw a sheath dress that was, well, awesome does not do it justice. I walk into the store and was immediately approached by a 6.6" 280 pound SA in a Tuxedo. I said I just wanted to look at the dress on the mannequin == $7300.00. "For the wife?" he asked. Well, actually he did not intimidate me nor did the price (not that I could afford it anyway) what did intimidate me was the store and its "attitude." It was beautiful! I kick myself every time I think about it as if I could have only brought myself to say, "I would like to try it on!"

The big guy would probably have stroked out right there on the spot!

Shop on ladies,

Virginia

Virginia