Responding to the Feb. 5 titled “All persons deserve equal protection.” The editorial claims the opposition to the Human Rights Commission mandating all locker rooms, public showers and bathrooms be open to the gender that they identify with is based only on fears. All disagreement is based on fear? This agrees with what I have heard in most public discussions today by those who believe their way of the highway. I would also say I have heard some sad comments regarding people dealing with this issue living a transgender life. This hinders public discussion and limits communities to specific groups at each others peril. To the sad result of all being marginalized.

The editorial suggests the Human Rights Commission had made public discussion available when the unelected Human Rights Commission was making this new rule. Really? During questioning by our representatives, the Human Rights Commission stated their outreach by the committee included a workshop in Tacoma, four work groups through out the state. The spokesperson noted the small attendance and noted the reason the rule was not put on their web page was they had no access to their own web page.

Sexual orientation is not limited to transgender, we are all have a sexual orientation. It must be difficult for a person living in a biological body that they do not identify with. It is beyond my comprehension. Their view is obviously different then many of us. But for the grace of God goes I perhaps is a way we should start such conversations in our communities. Many transgender individuals do not use chemicals or surgery to change their bodies. And as especially in youth, their bodies are changing. They are aware of their “natural modesty” as many of us at times feel compromised in group settings. A young 15-year-old young lady sharing a shower with a transgender female with male biological parts could be at times is unsettling, even feeling violated. I have to ask about the irresponsibility of those who use such arguments as claiming a child is fear mongering to a kid who feels uncomfortable with different genitalia in the same shower? Should they just go on in silence for fear of being labeled?

Many only see the police stopping the very bad criminals from committing crimes, but they also stop many of us that perhaps at times in our lives who would break laws if there were no police. People that live lives obeying the law given the opportunity to break it easily may choose differently. These traditional boundaries I suggest not only help heterosexuals, they protect transgender alike. Strapping school districts and other organizations from handling such issues with common sense and consideration for all leave all of us at the peril of one law fits all.

Mick Sheldon,
Kingston.