Thursday, September 17, 2009

a revolution of the... heart

So I don't have time to write much myself, but it's time to spread the word a bit. Saturday is my friend Peter's birthday, and he has requested that people take part in a bit of bathroom-related revolution to celebrate. Trans people and public toilets have long been an uneasy combination; people tend to police their restroom spaces heavily, singling out gender offenders for not fitting into the binary restroom hierarchy, and the harassment that can follow is something that many of my friends deal with on a daily basis.
Anyway, here's a re-posting of what we have up on the Genderqueer Chicago blog. Please, if you feel safe, use the wrong restroom this Saturday. Bring a friend, be safe, but shake things up a bit. After all, it really is just a toilet.

"The Toilet Revolution is a city-wide theatre event intended to challenge gendered bathrooms and the policing of gender non-conforming people who get accosted when trying to pee. And it's this Saturday! All Day! Oh, oh my!

Accosted while trying to pee? Yep. Everyday, gender-alternative people are questioned, berated, mocked, glared at, and barred from public restrooms because someone's perception of their gender doesn't match up with the "skirt" and "suit" pictures on gendered bathrooms. Bathrooms should be safe for everyone, no matter their gender identity and presentation.

How do I get involved? Easy. Pick a gendered bathroom. Or a few on Saturday. Enter a bathroom in a public space that you feels challenges conceptions of gender.

Be Safe. Go with a buddy, and don't put yourself in danger. If you're cis male-bodied and male-identified, be sensitive to who is around you.

And repeat. Do this over and over again if you have time and feel safe.

Spread the word. Tell your friends. And tell them to tell their friends.

Write about it. We'll be posting written reactions/ thoughts/ feelings/ images/ and videos from your experience! If you want to contribute, send your responses to genderqueerchicago@gmail.com."

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