This week, the Shen school board passed a new policy allowing transgender youths to use the bathroom of the gender that fits them mentally and not the one they were stuck with physically. This was a brave decision and will be looked back upon as the right one. I really don’t want to go into the basics of being transgender because everyone should know it by now. If you don’t, you’ve been living under a rock and it’s your responsibility to learn. If you are really in the dark and want an explanation then I’ll send you a link to Google where you can look it up.

I’m writing instead to say that I am done explaining the validity of my existence to bigots who refuse to accept transgender people in society. I don’t owe you that, I don’t owe anyone that. If you need validation, speak to someone at the American Medical Association, American Psychological Association, National Association of Social Workers or any other legitimate scientific organization that doesn’t have ‘religion’ in the time (actually most religions in the world are fine with transgender people)

Don’t get me wrong, I have thick skin. Three brothers plus so many comedian friends who love roasts almost as much as I do so I can take it but it wasn’t always that way. I used to feel like I was always on the defensive and could never fully be myself because so much of my energy was spent trying to explain who I was. Then it dawned on me- I don’t have to. I’m not hurting ANYONE with my life so if someone has a problem with me then it’s their problem, not mine. And it’s a relief. It feels good to be authentic and not care about what other people think.

Until news like the Shen story comes along and I find myself reading hate-filled comments on news articles posted online or I hear of bigots on a morning radio show going for cheap laughs and it pisses me off. These are the hackiest kind of jokes too, just like ten years ago when lispy voices were used to make fun of gays or fifty years ago when buck teeth and novelty glasses were used to make fun of Asians. Well I’m here to tell you that you’re on the wrong side of history and society has spoken for acceptance and understanding over bullying and cheap laughs. Your time is done.

Transgender people are here and we don’t owe you anything but to treat you the way you treat us. No more, no less. We’re doctors, lawyers and soldiers. We’re republicans and democrats. We’re brothers and sisters (at different times 🙂 We’re models and actors and of course, comedians who are usually way funnier than this article would have you believe. We’re everywhere and now it’s time to get on board or just get over it. Aren’t there bigger problems than where I pee?

Jaye McBride is a transgender comedian who’s performed in LA, NY and performs regularly at the Comedy Works. She was also part of this year’s Boston Comedy Festival. Be sure to follow her on twitter or facebook @jayemcbride and www.facebook.com/jayemcbride

* Photo courtesy of Terence Tolman