Last week's Leader's caused something of a stir and to be honest, I'm pleased it has done. I realise some of the views I express are sometimes going to upset some people, but if they produce feedback, I'm happy. We need to talk! Too often these days, people with perfectly valid views are afraid to speak out through fear of being vilified for having the 'wrong' opinion. Over recent years, I've often wanted to address the problems current thinking on gender fluidity, (and today I'm using that term to cover the whole caboodle, including gay and transgender, because I'm short on space) creates for public toilet providers, but have refrained from doing so.

I now feel I need to set out my stall, since unless we start discussing these issues openly, nothing will improve and our public toilets will continue to close down or suffer reduced opening hours despite the sterling efforts of many long-term campaigners. While some of us can go all day without needing the loo, others are forced to plan their trips out an about, around whether there are toilets in the location they want to visit. This is wrong. If we're going to argue about inclusivity we need to include the disabled and with that, those with reduced bladder capacity. Thus, the trend for public toilet closures has to be reversed.

My statement in last week's Leader, that, "I, personally wouldn't use public toilets that are open to use by men in all their many new forms" led to accusations of transphobia and betraying my close and long-term gay and transgender friends and those who'd transitioned. I'm pleased this was voiced as it's shown me I need to elaborate and encourage further debate.

Many years ago I enjoyed a fabulous night out at what I believe was a men-only gay club in London's Earls Court. Of the 600 guests, apart from the lass behind the bar, I was the only woman. Naturally the toilets were set up for the male clientele and I was grateful to be welcomed in. At no time did I feel - or anyone else appear to feel - threatened. We knew we were in a safe environment. I don't feel any differently about that experience from the way I did back then - safe and comfortable. Just as I'd happily use facilities alongside real transwomen.
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