I have had anxiety over using public restrooms for some years now. Not because of the possible filth conditions of the restroom, but of the potential discrimination or harassment I may receive (I suppose it’s the same with dressing rooms..). I Really felt the anxiety on our recent trip to Vegas and always hoped that there would be few people in the restrooms, or that someone I was with had to utilize the facility at the same time. I have had many experiences where I walk into a facility and others do a double-take and look at the signage which designates gender use of the restroom.
Last week, I attended a presentation which P.I.S.S.E.R. –People in Search of Safe Restrooms held, and was excited to find out about their Mission.


P.I.S.S.E.R. –People in Search of Safe Restrooms

The Problem

Many transgender and non-transgender people have no safe places to go to the bathroom- get harassed, beaten and arrested in BOTH women’s and men’s rooms. Many avoid public bathrooms altogether and develop health problems. This affects not only transgender people who do not identify as female or male, but also transgender people who do identify as female or male, many butch women, and feminine men.

PISSER is committed to establishing gender-neutral bathrooms. We believe that all people, regardless of their gender identification or presentation, have the right to access safe and dignified restroom facilities without fear of harassment, judgment or violence.