Some Thoughts on Toilets, Transgenders, and the LGBT 'Community'

Abstract

The North Carolina legislature passed a law that prohibits transgender individuals from using certain public toilets. The legislation has been controversial. Some entertainers have stated they will not hold concerts in North Carolina until the law is repealed. Some corporations have been critical of the law, and at least one corporation has decided not to open a facility in North Carolina because of the law. This article examines the issue of the use of public toilets by transgenders and applies logic and ethical theory to arrive at a resolution of the problem that does not involve the violation of anyone’s rights.

Keywords: transgender, LGBT, toilet, restroom, North Carolina, rent-seeking

JEL Classification: A13, B53, B54, D63, D72, D86, H42, I18, J15, J16, J7, K11, K12, K20, M14, P14, P26