Jacosen letter: Transgender restrooms

The quote from Emmett School Superintendent Wayne Rush in the May 17 Statesman demonstrates exactly why President Obama and the Justice Department needed to step in on the transgender restroom issue. Saying his district reached an “accommodation” with a student to use a restroom consistent with the student’s biological sex means they failed to accommodate the student’s needs and, in fact, likely exposed the student to a risk of physical and/or sexual assault.

It is my privilege to count transgender individuals and parents of transgender children among my friends. It has been a tender and moving experience to bear witness to their stories — the struggles they have endured and the courage they have needed in order to live authentic lives and to support their children in being their true selves.

So often we fear what we don’t understand. What is different, outside our experience. Sometimes it seems safer to surround ourselves with people who are “just like us.” It’s comfortable. Predictable.

For me, diversity makes life more interesting. More colorful. Mine is just one little corner of this vast, amazing world. There are so many people. So many cultures, religions, philosophies. So many experiences. So many stories. Tell me yours.

This story was originally published May 26, 2016 at 5:12 PM with the headline "Jacosen letter: Transgender restrooms."