In schools, bathrooms are not just functional spaces. They are personal, private areas where students should feel secure. For girls, especially those in pre-teen and teenage years, this privacy is critical. These are the years when many start menstruating, managing the physical and emotional changes of puberty. The idea of sharing these spaces with biological males, regardless of gender identity, raises serious concerns.

Transgender individuals are often referred to by their gender identity, not their biological sex. But biology matters in the context of shared spaces. A person born male has male chromosomes. Even if they identify as female or undergo surgery, their physical development and biology remain different from those of females. This is not a matter of opinion; it is a scientific fact.

Emotional Vulnerability of Young Girls

Puberty is a confusing time. Girls experience body changes, hormonal shifts, and often struggle with self-esteem. Many are embarrassed by their developing bodies, and the school bathroom becomes a refuge where they can handle personal matters in peace. Introducing biological males into these spaces compromises that refuge.

This isn’t about hatred or discrimination. It’s about the real discomfort and fear that many girls experience when faced with the idea of sharing intimate spaces with people who have male anatomy. Even if those individuals identify as female, the discomfort doesn’t disappear. It is important to listen to the concerns of girls, not dismiss them.

Potential for Abuse

Another concern is the potential for abuse. Policies that allow individuals to use bathrooms based on gender identity can be exploited. The door is open for those with ill intentions to take advantage of the situation. Schools have a duty to create environments that prioritize safety.

We have separated bathrooms by sex for a reason. It’s not out of bigotry, but out of respect for boundaries. Undoing that separation removes a layer of protection and puts vulnerable students at risk.

Boundaries Matter

Teaching children to respect others includes teaching them about boundaries. A girl’s right to her own space, especially when she is vulnerable, should not be sacrificed to accommodate a broader political goal. Compassion must be balanced with common sense. No student should feel uncomfortable or afraid in a place as basic and necessary as a school bathroom.

What About Alternatives?

Some schools have offered single-occupant, gender-neutral bathrooms for students who do not feel comfortable in traditional spaces. This is a practical and respectful solution. It allows students privacy without infringing on the comfort and rights of others.

Girls are not bigots for wanting privacy. They are kids going through a sensitive time, and their concerns should be taken seriously. Policy decisions must reflect the reality that while inclusion is important, safety and privacy are not negotiable.

Speak Up

It is not hateful to say that biological males do not belong in girls’ bathrooms. It is a position grounded in biology, common sense, and respect for girls’ comfort and safety. Schools should be places where all students feel secure, and that includes young girls navigating one of the most difficult stages of life. Their voices matter, and their boundaries must be respected.