I don’t really like to approach the bathroom issue. It seems so divisive for some people.
My mother always used to say that a guest may use any bathroom they wish – otherwise why invite them into your house? Sadly in some places this line of thinking seems just a little too adult for the simple minded. I’m thinking particularly of the Montana State Legislature.
In a display of outright bigotry and a childish attempt to embarrass a duly elected member of their Congress, a motion was introduced to ban Zooey Zyphyr from the female bathrooms in the building. You can see the attempt, and watch it fail, here – https://youtu.be/LTJJi4QrKCQ?si=P18xXcI3lzUgodBV.
Zooey is an elected member, simply doing her utmost to represent the members of her constituency. She is a fine trans woman and takes her public service seriously. Regrettably some members of her state body are too infantile to accept that they have a responsibility to work like responsible adults – but what can you do!
Meanwhile, here in Brazil, where I am currently traveling, I have found people not so much ‘tolerating’ of transgender people, but more calmly indifferent. It is, to use the common parlance – like, ‘whatever’. The idea that people are people is quite the norm. Why would anyone have an issue?
I am currently in Curatiba, home of the capibyra and beautiful art. I will do more on that a little later, however last night Sylvester and I treated ourselves to dinner at Hambergay, a gay restaurant. In fact it was so gay we were practically showered in glitter on arrival.
The food was lovely, I had the Barbie burger, and Sylvester chose the flamboyant Gaga burger, both of which came with rich toppings including edible glitter. In fact, the drinks (Margayritas) also had edible glitter in the ice cubes. Fabulous!
The restaurant is genuinely family friendly, a couple seated by us included their young children. Halfway through the cocktails I was provided with a pink feather boa, and led to their photo wall and photographed extensively. Perhaps, I thought, my fame had stretched even to here, but ‘no’, most guests get the same treatment. The staff are courteous, engaging and add a note of fun.
Now, Sylvester being Sylvester, had to make some vulgar comment about needing to use the bathroom, and disappeared into a pink mist that led the way to the facilities. After a suitable time he came rushing back, out of breath, and at first I thought he had done something self indulgent in there – as you know he can really be quite coarse.
But, no. He was excited to announce it was one of the most extraordinary bathrooms he had had the pleasure of… Well, using. I include some photos above.
I shall be contacting my people back in Canada and suggesting we adopt this very decor in our Parliament building. It seems very appropriate. Justin is usually quite attentive to such things when we chat.
Fiona.