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Simple Solution To The Viral Bathroom Bill Controversy

By Noelle Nicholas
Published on: 02:22 PST, Apr 27, 2016

It seems in America these days, people are quick to take offense at any slight, either real or imagined. The bathroom bill controversy is one of the latest debates with heated opinions on both sides. No matter what new bathroom policy stores decide to go with, one side or the other is angry and offended.

Is the bathroom bill controversy really worthy of all the attention it’s garnered? The debate over which public bathroom to use seems a silly thing to fight over for several reasons. One’s own good judgment should come into play when deciding which bathroom to visit at, say, Target or Walmart. If one is dressed like a lady, but not born into that gender, would anyone notice when she visited the ladies bathroom?

Target’s recent bathroom policy has some so infuriated they are boycotting the store completely. The Christian Science Monitor reports that Target has made it clear that transgender individuals may use whichever bathroom or fitting room one deems appropriate. Again, back to one’s own good judgment.

Stores in North Carolina and Mississippi, however, do not have that choice. These states have passed controversial bathroom bills that force an individual to use the bathroom of the gender “on their birth certificate.” Will North Carolina and Mississippi post “bathroom guards” at public restrooms? Will one be required to carry a birth certificate to prove one’s gender at a moment’s notice?

Kroger has decided to straddle the fence and issue a bathroom policy that includes everyone and reaches far beyond the LGBTQ community. The grocery chain, which includes discount store and Aldi rival Ruler Foods, has decided to add unisex bathrooms to their locations. While many retail businesses such as Kohl’s and Walmart have employed the addition of unisex or family bathrooms for quite some time, Kroger’s unique understanding has bridged the gap between sides on this issue.

According to Time magazine, about a month ago, a sign on the new unisex bathroom in the Kroger location in Athens, Georgia, explained the need for a bathroom that does not fit in with the traditional gender-specific restrooms.

“We have a UNISEX bathroom because sometimes gender specific toilets put others into uncomfortable situations. Since we have a lot of our friends coming to see us, we want to provide a place for our friends who are dads with daughters, moms with sons, parents with disabled children, those in the LGBTQ community, adults with aging parents who may be mentally or physically disabled. Thank you for helping us to provide a safe environment for everyone!”

While the unisex or family bathroom is not a new concept, Kroger has put the various needs for this type of bathroom into words as well as actions. This company has defined inclusivity in the most positive way possible.

What is your stance on the controversial bathroom bill? Should transgender adults be allowed to use whichever bathroom they prefer? Should every store add a unisex bathroom to make life easier for those of the LGBT community, special needs parents, and others who do not fit into the stereotypical categories?

[Image via Shutterstock]

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