With a personal stake in this matter, I am deeply concerned about the need to continue forward momentum in affirming the basic human rights of LGBTQ individuals by acknowledging their right to use restrooms corresponding to their gender identity. In particular, it's crucial that Sarah McBride, a transgender woman and a trailblazing figure in politics, is able to use the restroom in Congress in accordance with her gender identity.

Sarah, the first openly transgender state senator in U.S. history, facing restriction in accessing women's restrooms in the Congress, threatens to undermine the significant strides made towards equality and acceptance for the transgender community in the political space. According to a 2018 survey conducted by the National Center for Transgender Equality, 59% of transgender and non-binary individuals in the U.S. faced discrimination and harassment in public restrooms (NCTE, 2018). This statistic highlights how widespread this issue is and reinforces the urgency of resolving it.

Denying Sarah McBride or any other transgender individual access to the bathroom corresponding to their gender identity serves to perpetuate discrimination and violates their fundamental human rights. It's a step backward and contradicts the principles we--as a country and a society--stand for.

Let us join together in calling for Congress to explicitly affirm that Sarah McBride, and all other transgender individuals working in or visiting the Congressional building, are allowed access to the restroom that aligns with their gender identity. Please sign this petition and make a stand against discrimination in our society.