A letter to my state representative on Indiana’s Biological Sexual Identity bill

Ms. Karlee Macer –

I recently relocated to Speedway from the Eastside. One of the main reasons I chose Speedway in general, and the Meadowood Park neighborhood in particular, was the inclusive atmosphere I found when I visited the area. As a member of Indy’s LGBT community, I’ve always appreciated the accepting social and legal environment here in Marion County. My travels in other parts of the state make it clear that not every LGBT Hoosier enjoys that level of acceptance. Which is why it’s doubly important that our state laws not add to the discrimination they already face.

H.B.1525, the Biological Sexual Identity bill, represents a troubling step backwards in the equitable treatment of LGBT Hoosiers. If implemented, it would promote state-sanctioned bullying of transgender youth in our schools. My personal experience tells me this is true. I am a gay, cisgender woman; I use the ladies’ room because that’s what’s comfortable for me as a woman. I am, however, gender non-conforming (GNC), which means if you passed me on the street, there’s a good chance you’d assume I was a man. And unfortunately, the women I encounter in public restrooms assume the same thing. On a regular basis, I endure looks of shock, anger, and disapproval for using the bathroom appropriate to my gender, because it’s at odds with my gender PRESENTATION.

Which brings me back to trans youth. Like all kids, they’re trying to figure out who they are. In their case, they’ve discovered this fact about their gender identity, and want to live a life that presents their identity to the world. For trans girls, that means wearing their hair and clothes in a style we generally agree is feminine. For trans boys, that means wearing hair and clothes in a masculine style. Now, let’s walk back to the bathroom…H.B. 1525 will force a trans girl to use the “facility” that is at odds with her gender presentation. Aside from the emotional cruelty of telling this girl she doesn’t know who she is, it puts her in the cross hairs of bullies who feel empowered to mock her…or worse. The trans boy similarly faces the scorn and anger of girls who don’t want him in their space.

I urge you to speak out against this harmful bill, and vote against it should you have the opportunity. Thank you for your representation,

Amy Garman