A recent study from the Williams Institute sheds light on the challenges faced by transgender individuals when using restrooms that align with their gender identity. The study found that transgender people are more likely to face harassment or be denied access when using facilities that correspond to their gender assigned at birth rather than their gender identity.
The research, part of the 2022 U.S. Transgender Survey, which included responses from 92,329 participants, examined the experiences of transgender men and women over the past 12 months. Both groups were asked if they had been verbally harassed or denied access to restrooms matching their gender identity or sex assigned at birth.
For transgender men, approximately 10% reported being denied access to women’s restrooms or experiencing verbal harassment in those spaces. Meanwhile, for transgender women, 7% were denied access to male restrooms, and almost 9% were verbally harassed in those facilities.
When using restrooms that corresponded with their gender identity, transgender men had slightly better experiences, with around 5% reporting being denied access to men’s restrooms and around 7% experiencing verbal harassment. Transgender women had similar experiences, with 5% reporting denial of access to women’s restrooms and more than 7% facing verbal harassment in those spaces.
Despite the evident dangers posed by bathroom bans, which limit transgender individuals’ access to facilities that match their gender identity, former President Donald Trump insisted during his administration that such policies were necessary to ensure the safety of women in public spaces. Trump signed an executive order early in his presidency that not only denied the existence of transgender people but also restricted their access to gendered spaces under the argument of protecting women’s safety. Trump has been found liable for sexual abuse in multiple cases, a point that has continued to raise concerns regarding his stance on transgender rights.
The Williams Institute study also compared states with and without nondiscrimination laws to assess the impacts of such policies on public safety and privacy. Researchers analyzed criminal incident reports related to assault, sex crimes, and voyeurism in public restrooms, locker rooms, and dressing rooms. The findings showed no significant change in safety or privacy after the implementation of nondiscrimination laws, with incidents of such behavior remaining rare. This aligns with previous research from 2018, which drew similar conclusions when comparing states with and without gender discrimination laws.
While the study provides statistical insight into the experiences of transgender individuals, it is essential to remember the personal stories behind these numbers. There have been numerous instances of transgender and nonbinary people being assaulted in public restrooms, highlighting the very real dangers they face. A high-profile example is the tragic death of Nex Benedict, a nonbinary Indigenous teen from Oklahoma, who was assaulted by a group of girls in their high school restroom before passing away from the injuries.
The Williams Institute concluded that the notion of transgender individuals threatening the safety of women in restrooms is unfounded. Consistent reports from transgender individuals demonstrate that they are often the victims of harassment, verbal abuse, and even physical assault in public restrooms. The study emphasizes the importance of ensuring equal access to public facilities for transgender individuals, without fear of discrimination or violence.
As the debate over bathroom access for transgender people continues, it is crucial to focus on both the statistical evidence and the real-life consequences of such policies. Transgender individuals deserve the right to use public restrooms safely and without fear of harassment, regardless of their gender identity.
