Here's some hope, even contains some common sense I think:
Ottawa considers gender-neutral restrooms
I mean, If the big scary thing about trans access is privacy...then replace the stalls that make it possible to peep in the first place. Floor to ceiling, no cracks...easy peasy.
This topic has started to become a hot button issue with me. I remember a few months ago, trolls were listing names of high profile convicts as examples why trans shouldn't be allowed access -- except if anyone googled the names they would find their crimes had nothing to do with anti-discrimination laws, didn't take place near a women's facility, or the 'example' wasn't remotely trans.
Then they started listing somewhat related incidents, except they claimed these incidents recently happened 'as a result of allowing trans access'. A quick google fact-check later...oh they actually occurred from 3 up to 26 years ago -- before anti-discrimination laws were even in place.
Now the A.F.A. (American Family Association) are sending anti-LGBT cis-males into restrooms to cause issues. I guess if your claims and examples keep getting debunked, then it's time to invent one...
Problem is they've been using the same excuse to try and prevent any civil rights movement. Allow coloured people to use "whites only" facilities? That'll put white women and children at risk
fear-mong fear-mong. Gays and lesbians in bathrooms and as troop leaders? That'll put children at risk
fear-mong fear-mong. Allow trans folks to use the bathrooms of their identity (as most have been doing for years)? Nope, women and children
fear-mong fear-mong.
Common sense gun control laws? That's absurd! Criminals don't obey laws...
Trans access to identified facilities? Quick, make laws prohibiting access to stop criminals...
AFAIK and researched, there were 4 legitimate incidents (1 in Canada, 3 in the US) of cis-males donning women's clothing and going into a women's facility, that took place between 1990 and 2016. None of them took advantage of anti-discrimination laws as they hadn't been implemented. The 3 Americans didn't claim to be trans, they were only donning a disguise to avoid detection. In the case of the Canadian, he claimed to be trans -- however -- it was because he also claimed to be in imminent danger which is why he was given access to a shelter. He didn't take advantage of any anti-discrimination laws, he simply took advantage of people's trust and good nature.
The problem with the logic of claiming predators will dress as trans women to gain access to women's facilities, is that A) It's much simpler to simply walk in as is claiming to be a transman, and B) it perpetuates rape stereotypes:
According to RAINN and FBI statistics, 85-90% of rapists
KNOW their victims. Large majority of assaults take place in or within 1 mile of the victim's home or at a friend's. Less than 18% of assaults take place in a public area such as bus depots, subways, parking lots, alleys, parks...neither source specifically lists bathrooms as an example.
Another issue that has arose in places that prohibit trans access, cis-women are getting harassed and/or kicked out of establishments because they either "look butch" or "was dressed like a man". The 1950's called, they want their sexist stereotypes back.
Furthermore, anti-trans legislation perpetuates harassing, assaulting, raping, and/or murdering trans and non-binary individuals by restricting their access to unsafe facilities while anti-trans propaganda promotes it.
I believe that the future of civilization will eventually have universal facilities (as seen in Starship Troopers). That's definitely not the immediate future. For now, I believe that Ottawa is on the right track -- at least for the interim. There will still be those who are ignorant, fearful, and hateful. Options aren't a bad thing until society is a little more enlightened so long as there isn't discrimination or prohibition against those that are comfortable using facilities that correspond with their gender opposed to birth genitalia.
I dedicate this song to the fear-mongering politicians.
Then you encounter anti-LGBT folks who cite religion against us. Most generally quote (if at all) {Deuteronomy 22:5} "
The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God."
When considering this argument, one must also consider Genesis and the story of creation. In Genesis, God created Adam and Eve. He didn't create or give them masculine or feminine attire and exclaim "Thou shall not wear each other's clothing". Adam and Eve were nude. It wasn't until they ate the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge that Adam and Eve came to know modesty and shame and quickly covered themselves -- thus clothing was born from the original sin, and -- technically speaking -- could be considered against God.
Another tidbit to consider; Adam was created from the ashes and dust of the Earth whereas Eve was created from Adam's rib -- a women was made from a male body.
Anyway, other counter-quotes for 'trans are wrong cause of the Bible' arguments: {Matthew 19:12} "
For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it." {James 5:9} {James 4:12} {Galatians 3:28} are some other good verses. I don't worship the Bible or belong to a Christ-based theology.
Global and Historic Gender Primer
I could get into the histories but I think I went seriously over-board with this post and it's already lengthy as it is lol.
As for Trump supporting trans access, I don't really think that's 100% the case. Trump is a business man. The only thing he cares about more than himself, is money. North Carolina served as an example of all the businesses and corporations boycotting the state for it's discriminatory laws. Trump sees this and understands "Hm, this policy is bad for business -- it loses money". His other motivation is to win over voters, especially after his "punish women and doctors for abortions" statement.
Anyway, it's a rough road and not something that will be resolved quickly. Just like every other civil rights movement, it'll take time for most of the hate and fear to subside. But people are starting to question, especially when you have the A.F.A. pulling stunts and anti-LGBT politicians getting accused, charged, and/or convicted of sex-related offences. I don't think the anti-LGBT agenda needs a shovel, but let's throw them an extra one or two anyway.