[url=http://www.news10.net/news/article/267413/2/New-law-gives-transgender-students-choice-at-school-facilities-activities]Transgender students are now able to use the restroom, shower and play on athletic teams that coincide with their gender identity[/URL] The law, which was passed in August, has sparked controversy across California. Many parents and students feel as if its provisions go too far. As such, over 600,000 signatures opposing the implementation of the law were gathered, requiring the law to be put on the state ballot for the elections in November. So trans* students might not be able to enjoy these liberties for very long. The provisions of the law are divided into three different areas: Restroom use, shower use, and sports. Restrooms: I honestly don't see why this is a problem. It's not like anyone is ever visibly naked, since most women use stalls and transmen can't use urinals. Sports: Okay, I can see why there might be a need to divide teams up on the basis of sex. There are biological differences between males and females. Unless the trans* person is on hormones, then there could be an element of unfairness on the playing field. A transwoman is going to have more muscle than her female counter parts, which gives the team an unfair advantage over their competition. Showers: I remain on the fence about this issue. On one hand, it's important that trans* individuals feel comfortable at school. This includes being given a basic sense of humanity, like using the restroom you feel most comfortable in. On the other hand, how other students might legitimately feel is important as well. I can understand why somebody might feel uncomfortable taking a group shower with someone from the opposite sex. It seems to me that locker rooms are divided more on sex than gender or sexual attraction, which might necessitate changing those rules up a little bit. However, I would imagine that it's rather disconcerting for a trans women with breasts to take a shower with her male counter parts. There is also an issue of safety, as well. Are trans* women at more a risk showering with their male counter parts? Definitely (granted, given the immense societal hatred for trans* individuals, I would imagine that any private place they're outnumbered is dangerous). So there is that issue to consider as well. This seems to easily be the most controversial aspect of the bill, in my mind. I think the most ridiculous argument is that the system will be taken advantage of by horn dog boys and girls who want a peak at the opposite sex. Given that trans* gender individuals act, dress and socialize like their identified genders, it's going to be fairly easy to tell the wolf from the sheep. The school has disciplinary powers and flexibility in the enforcement of policy. I doubt anyone is going to prevent to school from telling a heteronormative student that they can't pretend to be the opposite gender.