Coy Mathis Case; the Other Perspective

[Carolyn Marie]

http://dallasmorningviewsblog.dallasnews.com/2013/06/transgender-first-grader-poses-impossible-choice-for-school.html/

What bothers me most about his view, and this is typical of many who oppose bathroom rights for TS folks, is this statement:

"What would be the level of confusion and uproar if Coy’s anatomy became visible to other users of the bathroom? It would probably be substantial."

That sentiment always seems to be the elephant in the room. There is an assumption that, should a "boy" gain access to the girl's room, what they intend is to exhibit themselves to the girls present. Under what circumstances would that ever happen? If it did, wouldn't there be appropriate punishment, and banishment from the girl's restroom? If a natal girl did that to other girls, wouldn't they be punished? Most certainly.

Why can't people realize that we want to use the restroom for the same reasons everyone else wants to use the restroom? I'll answer my own question; because they have an irrational fear of the "other." And that is a shame.

Sorry for the rant.

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Kelly-087]

It is a somewhat valid argument..

But also, IMO overblown..

Suppose Coy's anatomy was exposed? Sure. Some other girl might be a little confused but I doubt it would mentally break her in two.. And IMO most kids, especially girls would just ignore it.

And yeah I think we can agree on that Megan, but it's different with a kid like Coy because she is in.. just a different situation. Completely. And mistakes happen that she may not vigilant about stopping from happening because she's just in a different situation.

[Guest Alissia.C]

I agree with you on this Carolyn. The really only way that a trans women's parts would be seen in a restroom would be if they wanted to flash the women in the bathroom as anything that is done in a girl's room with any partical of clothes removed is in the stall. There argument is not valid as the difference would not be seen unless another women is peaking into the stall. The only thing I can think of that can in anyway relate to the subject is if a women was checking the stalls to see if anyone is in there by checking if there is feet. The only way the women would see that this person was born male would be if their feet was turned in the other direction as anything above the feet is not really seen. The cases in which trans people would want to exhibit themselves to the natal people in the bathroom is in my opinion very small and the rest are probably careful to not cause any discomfort for the rest of the inside the bathroom and thus not really be noticed as born male or female. As the saying goes, the majority should not be punished for the actions of the few.

Alissia

[Guest LizMarie]

That question exhibits the core problem here.

"What would be the level of confusion and uproar if Coy’s anatomy became visible to other users of the bathroom? It would probably be substantial."

Really?

1. Women's bathrooms are all stalls. They can't see one another unless they deliberately invade someone else's privacy.

2. Existing laws, rules and regulations about indecent exposure still apply. What's the problem here? If a cisgender child exposed him or herself to another child, the existing rules and regulations would cover this, correct? So why an additional rule targeting transgender children exclusively? I'll tell you why - pure transphobia and/or ignorance. Take your pick.

3. The person asking that question obviously has one thing on their mind and it's not bodily waste disposal functions.

[megandb]

You all missed the big issue with this case, Coy is in Colorado, her school is in Colorado. It has been law in the state of Colorado for apx 5 years now that discrimnation of anyone based on gender identity is ILLEGAL in public accommodations such as public restrooms in schools.

Engaged to a same gender partner

Megan Jessica