THIS STALL IS TAKEN: THE UNSPOKEN RULES TO THE BATHROOM

Hesitation—two options. The signs on the doors, the weight of new laws. I glance out of my peripheral before taking a deep breath, steadying my hiccuping heart. I got this. One step after the other, I push open the door to the women’s restroom, moving with purpose to an empty stall. As I shut the door and sit, I exhale, releasing the last bit of air I didn’t realize I was still holding in. If only all this could be as simple as the basic human function it was meant to be; as it is for most. Instead, every step is a calculation, every choice a compromise, forever focused on making others comfortable in hopes of finding comfort for myself.