Opinions

I’ve lived as a man for 28 years. What does Anchorage’s Prop. 1 mean for me?

I voted no on Prop. 1 because I am one of the transgender people who will be affected by this law. Unless I told you, you'd never know that I am a transgender man. I've even been to doctors who didn't know. I am bearded, masculine, male bodied, and wear men's clothing. I have used the men's bathrooms, locker rooms and changing facilities with no trouble for 28 years. There is no doubt that these male facilities are exactly the appropriate places for me. It would be completely inappropriate and disrespectful to every woman present, if I, a male presenting person in men's clothing, were to just stroll into the ladies' bathroom. I think the women in the room would agree.

I was born a female-bodied person and my birth certificate is still designated female (I never bothered to change it). Genetics dictate that every cell in my body carries an XX chromosome. My early life began in great anguish, constant pain and such deep enduring despair. I would not wish this dilemma on anyone. I found freedom the day that I began the rest of my life as a man. I'm fortunate to have been born when medical science and shifting public opinions have advanced universally in acknowledgment, support, acceptance, in respect for diversity and individuality.

If Prop. 1 were to pass, wouldn't I be expected to obey the law and use the bathroom that is designated on my birth certificate regardless of my present gender identity? In that case, wouldn't I be harassed and regularly expelled (likely violently) from female bathrooms and locker rooms?

This entire crusade is born of hate and ignorance. Did the authors of this bathroom bill even take a moment to consider someone like me? It should go without saying that all women, including transgender women, are absolutely entitled to the protection of their privacy in women's facilities. I totally agree that men do not belong in any women's facilities, therefore, I do not belong in the ladies' room. It is unfortunate that supporters of Prop. 1 disagree with the validity and existence of a gender fluidity, intersex conditions and gender identity disorder and likewise reject the authority of medical practitioners worldwide who treat gender issues with confirmation treatments and surgical procedures. It is profoundly arrogant to deny scientific evidence. However, some people still believe that the world is flat.

Transgender women are not men in dresses and transgender men are not women in suits. We are, in fact, the women and men that we identify ourselves to be and it is not for others to judge or define. I dare say that people come in all shapes, sizes, features and physical characteristics. I've met many biological men who have no facial hair and have features so soft and delicate that would be the envy of many women. I've met many biological women who could grow a beard that would challenge a mountain man. (Tweezers are a girl's best friend.)

While the public is debating the multifaceted points for and against Prop. 1, I am simply mortified to think that I would be forced to use the ladies’ restroom. Living full-time in one’s identified gender in the public view is the daily challenge of a successful transition for a transgender person. We must trust and put our confidence in people that they will not harm us. Prop. 1 threatens that essential trust and will evoke fear and inflict pain on many people who may already be suffering and who are emotionally fragile. Vote no.

The views expressed here are the writer's and are not necessarily endorsed by the Anchorage Daily News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, email commentary(at)adn.com. Send submissions shorter than 200 words to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser.

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