The Life of the Potty, by Ronnie Rho

It�s the simple things we often overlook. Our health, our friends, our talents. We often take for granted the freedoms and privileges we assume everyone has. Like going to the bathroom.

No giggling now; I�m serious. Some of us don�t have the right to go to the bathroom. Not where we�d prefer, to be precise.

And I�m not talking about acting like a dog and marking your territory wherever you see fit. I�m talking about discrimination against a minority over which facilities they can and cannot use.

We transgendered folk are in a quandary. Which door should we go through: His or Hers? Our plumbing may better match the plumbing in one room, while our outward appearances and inward identities are better suited for the other.

Most of us, I�ve found, prefer to use the bathroom best suited for our appearance. If I�m dressed like a guy, I�ll go to the can. If I�m in heels, I�ll visit the little girls room.

But there have been instances, within our own little community of this being frowned upon, or even prevented. Yes, in some gay bars I�ve visited, I�ve been told I had to use the men�s room. And I�ve known people who have been thrown out because they didn�t comply.

Now, I�ve never had a single complaint from a genetic girl while I was fixing my makeup, or doing my business. As a matter of fact, I�ve made new friends and had excellent conversations in the Ladies� room. One woman offered me her lipstick because she thought it would look good on me. The absolute worst comment I received wasn�t all that bad. A young woman was simply surprised that I was there. It didn�t bother her. It just never occurred to her that I might prefer the atmosphere and amenities. (There may be longer lines in the Ladies� room, but there�s also better lighting and better mirrors, usually.)

I don�t go in through the door for the women�s room to get a sexual thrill, or to scope someone out. I go because I have to pee, and I have to fix my hair. If I wanted to sneak a peek at someone, or have a quickie, I�d use the Men�s room. In a gay bar of all places, I should not be considered a threat to another woman. If anything, I feel threatened by having to use �the john�.

Remember this, bar owners and patrons, if you see a T-girl headed off through the �Hers� door, or a Trans-man strolling into �His�: We�re not doing it to offend, insult or attack anyone. We�re just answering nature�s call.