I don’t usually use public restrooms. They’re not fun places and men’s bathrooms are breeding grounds for homophobia and macho competitions. However, this Sunday I was sitting on the sixth floor of the Science Center and decided to venture into the men’s bathroom.
Lo and behold, I was shocked by what I found on the stall walls. Right below “Wall of Ignorance” I found “Fuck Science Fags.” I turned to the other side and there was “HOES” written in big letters. Many of the other comments scratched into the wall were about wanting “Hot Chicks” and not being able to find them.
I speak to not only the Wesleyan community, but also all others who may ever have to go into a public restroom, when I say that bathrooms should be safe places. I recognize wholeheartedly that there can never fully be such a space as a “safe space.” Such a promise can never be made with full guarantee that a space will be 100 percent safe. However, every person on the planet has to go to the bathroom. Why spread hatred, homophobia and sexism in spaces that everyone must use?
As someone who has spent a fair amount of time in both women’s and men’s bathrooms, I assure you all that this is not something that is unknown to women’s bathrooms. However, it is certainly more prevalent in men’s bathrooms. Far too often people who identify as male and people who use men’s bathrooms feel that they have the right to objectify women and queers as nothing other than sexual beings, there for the pleasure of straight men. In this way, gay men are seen as unnecessary and disgusting, since their existence is not for the satisfaction of straight men.
People who use men’s bathrooms: prove to me and to the world that you are not simply looking to fuck women and fuck up fags. Start taking responsibility for your privileges and/or your gender and the sexism and homophobia of this world and this campus.
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