The country is divided on how to address the recent rise in support of transgender use of gender-specific restrooms. There are radicals on both sides, each allowing little room for compromise. I am not in either of these groups, yet I disagree with transgender use of public restrooms on the basis of gender identity because of its impracticality.
This is not a stance against transgender rights or an attempt to squelch the dignity and voice of this group. The disagreement is not one against transgenders themselves in the majority opposition. Instead, it is against those who can and likely will manipulate established rights in order to take advantage of others (however that may occur). A woman (whether or not she is born as one) is likely afraid of that manipulator.
In order to find a solution that allows those who feel their rights have been infringed to be satiated, we must identify and respond to the actual problems. Advocates of transgender use of gender-exclusive bathrooms must not simply demand solutions; they must find a way to remedy the problem for potential of abuse. Until then, we will not be able to move forward in this pursuit.
