Interesting school toilets story

[FlorenceLyons]

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-43462823

Interesting on a number of levels, I think. The school had originally said a transgender child (a boy identifying as a girl) couldn't use the girls' toilets 'out of respect' - presumably for the girls.

An organisation called Transpire then got involved. Their spokesperson is quoted as saying "I find it quite amazing some schools are branding it respect when in fact it is segregation ... It's about giving people the opportunity to use the toilet they are comfortable with, not what the school is comfortable with."

The school capitulated, with the head saying "because of what the school stands for and the rights written into equality law, the school made the decision to allow transgender students to use a toilet that matches their identified gender".

This begs so many questions, doesn't it? Why is 'respect' being posited as the opposite of 'segregation'? Surely segregation by sex is partly about respecting the needs of people, particularly women, to single-sex spaces? Why does the comfort of one child trump the comfort of many children? And why is equality law being used to justify this, when we know it says no such thing?

Thanks Datun, yes I've read that previously and it's the AGP types I'm referring to.

Plus, the idea that a single kid - who may or may not end up deciding they are gay/trans/'normal' gets to control the school experience of half their peers is so unfair.

I am increasingly feeling the need to write to the Girl Guides about their policy.

My daughter was the first girl in our local Scout troop which undoubtedly caused them some issues. Separate tent/room on residential trips, more convenient toilet facilities (peeing in the woods are easier for boys!).

But she was never required to share with boys or feel under any direct or indirect pressure to do so. Why are girls in guiding situations required to do so?

Plus, the idea that a single kid - who may or may not end up deciding they are gay/trans/'normal' gets to control the school experience of half their peers is so unfair.

I think I can probably answer that by addressing a couple of ambiguities in your post...

Plus, the idea that a single kid boy - who may or may not end up deciding they are gay/trans/'normal' gets to control the school experience of half their peers all the girls is so unfair.

I think that, when put like that, it becomes very clear.

In all of this, there is no aim, intention, desire or acceptance to redefine men.

Men aren't being told they can't talk about dicks because not all men have them. They're not being told urinals are exclusionary because not all men can use them. As keeps being pointed out, it is only women and girls expected to accommodate men and boys.

@TheGoldenBough that is so true.

@BagelGoesWalking "I am increasingly feeling the need to write to the Girl Guides about their policy. " good for you and very good points.