Cancer survivor hits out at ‘bathroom bill’ after she is mistaken for trans woman following mastectomy
‘The great bathroom debate of 2016 has hurt more than just the transgender community.’
A woman has written an emotional Facebook post, highlighting the unexpected affect the controversial bathroom debate in North Carolina has had on female cancer survivors.
Christie Saucedo says the law has “hurt” her as well – even though she is a cisgender woman.
Saucedo underwent treatment for stage three invasive ductal carcinoma – similar to breast cancer – when she turned thirty, during which she underwent a double mastectomy.
Despite the operation saving her life, Saucedo says a number of people have since mistaken her for a transgender woman – leading to a onslaught of transphobic abuse.
Under a photo of her naked chest – with the words ‘THIS IS BREAST CANCER’ – written across, she writes: “Take a good hard look at my chest.
“Don’t feel weird doing it. There is nothing sacred or sexual left to see.
“Until recently I have been very comfortable with my decision. However, the great bathroom debate of 2016 has hurt more than just the transgender community,” she adds.
She goes on to say she has recently noticed “more eyes trying to figure me out.”
“At the grocery store, restaurants … Walmart was the worst. I want to scream, YES! You are seeing it right! This is Breast Cancer… Please check yourself!’”
However, rather than challenge onlookers, she lets her “eyes meet theirs in an almost plea for a change in what has become our society.”
“I am personally of the belief that no transgender person wants to cause trouble in a bathroom. People just want to use the restroom,” she explains.
“There have been terrible acts happening in public restrooms long before this. This is why my children never use a public restroom without me.
“You don’t have to agree with me & I don’t have to agree with you. It’s ok.”
The powerful post also highlights what life is like for survivors of breast cancer.
The ‘transgender bathroom bill‘ or HB2 is an act in North Carolina means transgender people can only use the gender written on their birth certificates, as well as restricting protections for LGBT in the workplace.
