Target’s gender fluid bathrooms stir controversy

Following a recent push for gender fluid bathrooms, where patrons choose which bathroom to use rather than following gender constructs, Target officially changed their store policy to allow customers to choose whichever bathroom they like on April 19, 2016.

The store change debuted to major backlash from the population, with a lot of people claiming the new bathrooms would only lead to dangerous situations. North Carolina passed a bill on Monday, April 25 requiring transgender people to use the bathroom that correlates with the sex on their birth certificate.

The more liberal population celebrated the success for transgender and gender fluid people, as well as for gender equality.

I do not disagree with promoting gender equality or even gender fluidity, but the new policy puts more at stake than just the rights of a minority: it instead endangers everyone else.

By opening up public bathrooms to people of both genders to share, Target also opens the door for increased sexual harassment, inappropriate videotaping, and more inside their bathrooms. Catastrophes may not occur everyday, but the ease with which they will now occur cannot be understated.

If anyone can choose to walk into either bathroom and make an excuse about their gender identity just to harass others, then Target faces a major problem. Everyone deserves their rights as humans, until they infringe on the rights of others.

Within the problem lies an easy solution. Stores boasting bathrooms with just one toilet in a room with a lockable door can let their patrons choose which bathroom, if they so wish. Here, stores eliminate the threat and everyone gets a choice. In bathrooms with multiple stalls in one room, business cannot allow the choice of bathroom if it opens up stores to violent acts.

On Target’s website, their explanation for the choice of bathroom lies in their belief of inclusivity.

“In our stores, we demonstrate our commitment to an inclusive experience in many ways,” the website says. “Most relevant for the conversations currently underway, we welcome transgender team members and guests to use the restroom or fitting room facility that corresponds with their gender identity. Everyone deserves to feel like they belong. And you’ll always be accepted, respected and welcomed at Target.”

The new change, though, does not add to the inclusivity of the store, but rather promotes a feeling of unease. By making it easier to run into violence or harassment for both genders, Target puts its goal of political correctness in front of the safety of its patrons.