Keep transgender issues in context

"District 211 considering unrestricted locker-room access for transgender students," published Sept. 12, generated hostile online comments on both sides.

This issue is actually simple to solve but requires we acknowledge four things:

1. Transgender people exist. It may make some people uncomfortable, and they may believe/wish it weren't true, but it is.

2. Focusing on the size of a person's body parts as a measure of one's place in this world is unkind and irrelevant.

3. Modesty should be an option for all students, but required for none.

4. Being uncomfortable and being discriminated against are different things. We don't have a right to never be uncomfortable. We do have a legal right to not be discriminated against based on sexuality/gender identity in Illinois.

Opponents expressed concern in terms of victims and/or perpetrators. A transwoman in the women's bathroom is not a perpetrator. Other women in the same room are not victims in a transwoman's presence. The double standard of a transman being a potential victim at the hands of other men in the men's room, assumes other men are likely perpetrators. Let's stop and acknowledge that any true perpetrator of violence/harassment will be dealt with as an entirely separate issue.

Trans and non-trans people in the same space does not equal violence and harassment. To assume such is unfair to all sides.

I support District 211 allowing transgender students full access to the facilities that align with who they are.

If adults stop fixating on how "damaging" brief exposures to different body types might be in mundane (nonsexual) situations, they will realize this is a nonissue - just students getting ready for gym/class or using the restroom.

And for those that it is an issue for - they can use modesty curtains, or change in a bathroom stall if they prefer.

Alisa Kober

Arlington Heights