Bathroooms again

[Lorelei]

I have a terribly shy bladder, I can’t go at all if anyone is nearby. Sometimes I need to use a catheter to relieve myself. In my office, there are more woman in the office than men, so I have continued to use the men’s room during my transition due to less possible interactions to minimize catheter use. Our lab department (I work at a sewer plant) has single occupancy restrooms, men’s and women’s, but only for lab people. Today I am going to ask my supervisor for a key for the lab women’s bathroom as I am at the point of not being comfortable using the men’s room in the administration building where I work. I wore a dress to work for the first time today so I am not really comfortable going to the men’s room, even with my shy bladder. And I am not yet comfortable going in the women’s room at my office. Thing is NY law doesn’t allow a supervisor to require a transgender individual to be mandated to use single occupancy, so I am worried that my supervisor will think that I was mandated to use it and it is because of harassment, which is NOT happening. But even when I was cis male, I had wanted a key to the lab restroom due to my shy bladder, so I can’t imagine he will think he is requiring me to use a single occupancy restroom due to my transition. Any thoughts on this?

[KathyLauren]

He isn't requiring you to use the single-occupancy bathroom if you are making the request.  So I can't imagine he would think that either.  If he asks, tell him that you know you are not being mandated to use it, that it is your choice.

 

It seems like a perfectly reasonable request, and it would be problematic if he refused it.

[Charlize]

  I would certainly make use of the women's room.  Individual stalls offer the privacy many need to overcome shyness.  I think you share the awkwardness many, if not all of us, feel at first.  Time will make you comfortable.  After time i would never consider the mens room even if i had to wait for a line at the women's room.  

  I think i may never forget my first few visits.  But i am so glad i took those first steps. 

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize