Pharmacy store chain Walgreens has sparked controversy by following the example set by Target, and is now imposing a gender-free bathroom policy in all of its stores.
It released an official memo and stated that both customers and employees are free to use whichever restroom corresponds "to the individual's gender identity, regardless of the individual's sex assigned at birth."
"The intent of this policy is to support transgender individuals in our stores and facilities and foster an environment of inclusion and mutual respect," the memo further explained.
This decision came after Jessie Meehan, a biological woman, was refused access to the women's restroom because she looked like a man, according to the ACLU Southern California. In the end, Meehan was forced to use a stall in the men's room.
Upset, Meehan then strove to change the company's policies and sent an email to Walgreens customer relations. She told them that she was on her way to participate in LGBTQ Pride weekend in Los Angeles when she stopped by Walgreens to purchase $20 worth of items. When she asked to use the women's bathroom, she was refused access.
The store manager backed up a sales associate by saying that it was store policy to restrict access to the gender-specific bathrooms based on staff perceptions of a customer's appearance.
"I had to go so I didn't put up much of a fight and used the stall while the men used the urinals next to me," Meehan wrote in an email to the company. "This in itself was very humiliating for me and I felt extremely uncomfortable."
With the help of ACLU SoCal Staff Attorney Amanda Goad, Walgreens decided to bow to Meehan's demands by changing its policy. "Everyone needs safe restroom access, and California law protects every person's right to access restrooms based on their gender identity in workplaces, schools, and business establishments," said Goad. "It's important for businesses to make sure their employees understand that requirement, just like Walgreens is now doing, because Jessie Meehan had the courage to stand up for her rights."
