Letters: Two sides to unisex toilet debate

Oh dear, so Lizzie Marvelly has been offended by Family First's objection to the unisex toilet issue and wants to inject 'a dose of reality' - hers.

I am a conservative Christian myself and would agree with Family First's views.

But to say that view is 'anti-trans' or 'phobic' is far from the case.

With the utmost respect for these gender differences, toilets have been segregated for however many decades because in a society where the vast majority are male and female, there are safety concerns where adults of the opposite sex could be a danger to the other, and especially to children.

You mention in our own homes we all use the same toilet. When it comes to sharing with strangers the argument is obviously different.

You "greatly resent'' Family First for attempting to use experiences of sexual violence to advance its anti-trans agenda, but then mention you yourself are a sexual trauma survivor.

All these experiences are very sad facts. However there is a bigger picture than just this issue. You refer to feeling like being in a parallel universe where blue is red and vice versa.

You may be interested in the subtle but real agendas behind many such issues in a book authored by a gay American feminist, Tammy Bruce, in a book The Death of Right and Wrong.
[Abridged]
JAN STEVENSON
Kawaha Point

Unsung heroes

Rotorua district nurses are the unsung heroes of our health system.

They travel many kilometres throughout the district - often alone and to remote places.

They often have to dress ghastly and sometimes smelly wounds, and give support and comfort when it is most needed.

It is with grateful thanks that I acknowledge all the district nurses who graced my door during the past nine weeks.

Especially Judy and Bronwyn, your warm personalities really made a difference during the healing process.

I'm sure I can speak for the hundreds of patients district nurses have attended over the years when I say your caring work ethic is truly appreciated.

PAULEEN WILKINSON
Rotorua