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Editor, News-Register:
Never have I felt safer in West Virginia than I have since the West Virginia Legislature passed legislation defining a "male" and a "female" and including an Anti-Transgender Bathroom bill. Kudos to the Legislature for not allowing West Virginia's other pressing issues to get in the way of this important work!
I have lived in West Virginia for more than 25 years and am embarrassed to say I was completely unaware of any confusion surrounding this issue. I am certain this clarifying legislation will quickly propel West Virginia to the top of "most desirable places to live" lists. At the very least, the state may garner research dollars to determine when and how such confusion originated in West Virginia -- and most likely, only in West Virginia.
Although in my 65 years on this earth I have never really encountered a transgendered person in the restroom, I am relieved (no pun intended) to know it just won't happen. Admittedly, I am not in the habit of gazing or taking attendance in the restroom, but now, perhaps, if I pause long enough and notice a suspicious-looking female, I can immediately notify the bathroom patrol -- wherever they may linger.
I must also admit, however, that the bill causes me some concern. As a woman with an uncharacteristically deep voice, short hair, and who sometimes wears a ballcap, I fear I may be mistaken for one of "them." I am considering growing my hair longer and maybe learning to swish it from side-to-side with a girlish twist and giggle. Then again … that's probably next year's legislation.
Diane Thompson
Wheeling