The society of today has kept a more open mind and has become more condoning as to the acceptance of the members of the LGBT community; but it doesn't mean it's all coming up roses and everything's going the genderqueer people's way.
Lately, legislators from different states have been making an effort to draw the line on the use of single-gender restrooms in public places; preventing people from entering one based on their gender preference.
The trans people were spurred into action, protesting these so-called discriminatory bathroom laws; some are even taking it to social media with the hashtag #wejustneedtopee. But, with the latest move from the Whitehouse, in line with their campaign against gender discrimination in workplaces, the LGBT community has one reason to be happy about.
A Whitehouse spokesperson confirmed that a gender-neutral restroom is now made available for all people regardless of their gender identity. The facility, located in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, is the first of its kind within the complex.
"The White House allows staff and guests to use restrooms consistent with their gender identity, which is in keeping with the administration's existing legal guidance on this issue and consistent with what is required by the executive order that took effect today for federal contractors," said White House spokesman Jeff Tiller, the Politico reports.
In 2012, President Barack Obama has openly admitted his support for same-sex marriage. The mindset, that was seen as a reflection of a significant turnaround in the US as Gallup and CNN polls in 2011, showed that majority of Americans share the sentiment of the president.
Last year, Obama, who was named Time Magazine's "Person of the Year" for 2008 and 2012, signed an executive order barring companies with federal contracts from discriminating employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, Huffington Post reports.
The said executive order took effect on Wednesday and became a federal law.
In her commentary on Advocate.com, Valerie Jarrett, senior adviser to President Obama, writes that the executive order now taking into effect is a civil rights milestone for the entire nation, and not just for the gay community.
"This is an effort which extends into communities from coast to coast, and includes people from all backgrounds", Valerie wrote. "The president is determined to lead by example. Today marks another important step forward in our collective journey toward justice and equality."
