Before I got married, I had an awesome bachelorette party put on for me by my friends. There were many good memories, but one which stands out is that it was my first time ever using the ladies room instead of the men’s room.
I was worried going into the night about ordering drinks with my male ID and using the restroom, but both things ended up going wonderfully. It was really a highlight to finally use the correct bathroom.
Bathrooms are often one of the most gendered spaces in the average person’s life (at least public restrooms). I remember in my mind seeing the sign “Women’s”; wanting to go in there like all the other girls, and forcing myself to turn away. Forcing myself to be male. Even as I came out of the closet and went out more as my female self, I avoided the bathrooms.
On this night, there was no avoiding. We were at TGIFridays and I had to go. I got a friend to come with me, explaining to her on the way that this would be my first time in the ladies room. When we got in there we realized that a few of my other friends were already there. We explained that it was my first time, so everyone insisted on taking a ladies room mirror pic, as is custom.
The bathroom itself wasn’t radically different, besides the lack of urinals. I expected it to be a little more different, but regardless – I felt I was where I belonged. I was a female, in the female restroom. And that feeling was wonderful.
Needless to say, there was plenty of drinking going on that night, so I ended up using it again. The next four times that night were while I was drunk, and at a Gay Bar, which also made for an interesting experience. None of those times did I feel like I should worry about being kicked out, and most of the other women in line treated me like any other woman.
What is something major in your life that others do not think would be important?
guest
I think you are a beautiful human being.
You are so comfortable with who you are, in your skin even though you would think you would have it so much harder then those, such as myself, born as a female. You inspire me to accept myself for who I am, thank you!
guest
Awww You make every small thing about being a girl.. or being a boySeem like a beautiful giftThanks for that
guest
adorable how something we take for granted is so special for you!
) hooray ladies rooms!i promise, once you get in them more often, there are some really awesome ones that exist 
)
daisy / 699 posts
M, I think it’s absolutely great you were able to do that! The “smallest” things can be so liberating.
guest
So what makes a woman a woman too you?
guest
omg i’m so happy for you! continue being you(:
cherry blossom / 39 posts
I went into the girl’s locker room when I was 13 in jr. high. I guess it is different though.
guest
Once you see your first used tampon on the floor I suspect you’ll be asking for a unisex bathroom … just a hunch.
//Never been in a ladies room since I was a toddler. Just heard some horror stories from my female friends!
rose / 812 posts
awww
daisy / 734 posts
orchid / 173 posts
You teach me to appreciate the things I’ve always taken for granted, thank you
guest
Aw that’s so awesome. Glad to hear it.
guest
I love your posts :]
sunflower / 349 posts
*yay*
In some washrooms, I notice that the female’s get hand cream and things like that depending on where you go. Sometimes, the ladies is cleaner than the men’s =D
orchid / 183 posts
(((:
Your posts always bring a smile to my face. You find joy in the smallest things, that I don’t even think twice about.
guest
Again lovelyish, I haaaaaate HATE how you edit your shit.
LEAVE the comments aloneeeee.
jesus.
Awesome for you. I know how it feels to be “one of the girls” it’s extremely satisfying :]
lily / 5148 posts
It’s not really all different from the boys with a few minor things. It’s really not. But I applaud you for being so brave =) You’re so beautiful Em!
sunflower / 309 posts
I think it might be a little more different in public restrooms at heavily populated transit areas
I remember that once there was no paper in the women’s room at a train stop so I went to the men’s (it was single room, not multiple stalls) and EVERYTHING was wet. I didn’t know what was what and needles to say it was one of my worst experiences in a public restroom (aside from the ones where there is poops outside of the toilet…)