In a recent high-profile discount-clothing-related policy change, Loehmann’s has decided to allow transgendered people to use the store’s change-rooms and bathrooms. A brief article on the decision appeared in New York’s Intelligencer section, which mentions the city’s “ever-brawnier transgender-rights movement.”
It all started, it seems, when Jane Galla walked into the store, looking for “casual tops” for the summer, and Loehmann’s employees wouldn’t let her use the changing rooms. Apparently, they’d also made it clear during an earlier visit that she couldn’t use the women’s bathroom either.
Ever the dedicated Loehmann’s shopper, Jane got in touch with the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, and they managed to “negotiate” an agreement. On Wednesday, Loehmann’s issued a memo (quoted in the Daily News) stating that “if an individual is expressing themselves as a woman by outward appearance, including dress, and that individual would like to use the women’s bathroom or dressing room, the individual may use such women’s facilities.”
While this is exciting news, most practically for those transgendered people who are looking for a marked-down chemise, the Daily News article reflects the mainstream media’s still-tenuous grasp on language relating to transgender politics. The Daily News isn’t really known for its subtle use of language, I know, but calling Galla a “transgender” is both offensive and grammatically incorrect, though likely accidental.
Even if this decision may seem, in a tangible sense, fairly inconsequential to non-Loehmann’s shoppers, it’s a useful reminder that that New York City has outlawed transgender discrimination, and that transgender issues are becoming an ever-more important part of the public discourse. If women like Galla continue standing up for their rights, the day will come when the Daily News might think twice about using the word “trannie” is a headline, or suggesting that transgendered people can “rest easy” now that they can try on clothes in discount clothing store.
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