While other cities and states around the country are attempting to prevent transgender people from using bathrooms consistent with their gender identity, New York City is standing by its transgender and gender-nonconforming residents.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and the New York City Commission on Human Rights announced on Monday a citywide ad campaign urging New Yorkers to "look past pink and blue" and "use the restroom consistent with who you are." The ads will appear on subway cars, phone booths and local newspapers, among other places.
“No one deserves to be denied access to bathrooms or discriminated against for being who they are. Every New Yorker has the legal right to use the bathroom consistent with their gender identity, no questions asked – and these powerful ads affirm this right,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio in a statement.
Alisha King, a Bronx mother and one of the transgender New Yorkers featured in the campaign, spoke to the importance of raising awareness about this issue.
“Bathroom discrimination is a regular occurrence for the transgender community,” said King. “So much so that many of us avoid even using public restrooms to begin with. I sincerely hope these ads help people understand that transgender people are people just like you. We just want to use the restroom safely and be treated with respect.”
