# WTF is "bathroom policing" harassment? (New York ComicCom) **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 10, 2014, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-bathroom-policing-harassment-new-york-comiccom/701001 "2014-10-10T23:18:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2014, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-bathroom-policing-harassment-new-york-comiccom/701001/1 "2014-10-10T23:18:17Z")
From New York ComicCom anti-harassment sign: > **[A Note on New York Comic Con’s Anti-Harassment Policy](https://whatever.scalzi.com/2014/10/10/a-note-on-new-york-comic-cons-anti-harassment-policy/)** > > First, you literally cannot miss it — it’s on several human-sized signs right at the entrances to Javits Center (the other side of these signs say “Cosplay is not consent.” … The other things on the sign are pretty self-explanatory. But what is “bathroom policing”? ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2014, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-bathroom-policing-harassment-new-york-comiccom/701001/2 "2014-10-10T23:23:20Z")
I believe it’s taking it upon yourself to make sure the “right” gender is in the “right” bathroom (based on your definitions of what is right). So harassing transgender folks for being the “wrong” bathroom. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2014, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-bathroom-policing-harassment-new-york-comiccom/701001/3 "2014-10-10T23:23:55Z")
Just a guess, unfortunately, but could it be gender-related? i.e. “you’re going into the women’s bathroom but you don’t look like a woman (possibly due to your comic.con costume)” or vice-versa of course. That could certainly be a kind of harassment, if carried too far. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2014, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-bathroom-policing-harassment-new-york-comiccom/701001/4 "2014-10-10T23:30:41Z")
Sounds like people taking it upon themselves to harass people in bathrooms that they don’t perceive to be “really” male or female. I can’t say I agree with the article (“This is, pretty much, how an anti-harassment policy should be implemented.”). Is anybody really going to read a literal wall of text about anti-harassment policy? The article is wrong about consistent standards; the “including but not limited to” disclaimer means that the NYCC staff are equally able to enforce selectively. They should simply say that they have a zero tolerance policy which will be enforced as their staff see fit, and perhaps have a link to a page describing some possibilities for those people who need a bit of social education (they probably won’t read it, but they won’t read this sign either). ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2014, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-bathroom-policing-harassment-new-york-comiccom/701001/5 "2014-10-11T00:02:24Z")
related question. whats wrong with carrying batteries? That sign could use some work. ---
**Author:** ![2spooky4me](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/2/7c8e57/32.png) [@2spooky4me](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2spooky4me)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2014, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-bathroom-policing-harassment-new-york-comiccom/701001/6 "2014-10-11T00:10:34Z")
What is the “right” way to approach men and women’s bathrooms when you have so many transsexuals these days? ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2014, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-bathroom-policing-harassment-new-york-comiccom/701001/7 "2014-10-11T00:17:43Z")
> [@2spooky4me](#): > > What is the “right” way to approach men and women’s bathrooms when you have so many transsexuals these days? What does that mean? Go to the restroom that you identify with and ignore anyone else’s decision. > [@aceplace57](#): > > related question. whats wrong with carrying batteries? That sign could use some work. Forgive me if it’s a woosh, but battery means hitting someone. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2014, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-bathroom-policing-harassment-new-york-comiccom/701001/8 "2014-10-11T00:33:06Z")
I considered that. But the sign already included physical assault and intimidation in their zero tolerance list. Thats why the only thing left would be a real battery. Maybe because of the acid in them? > [@IvoryTowerDenizen](#): > > What does that mean? Go to the restroom that you identify with and ignore anyone else’s decision. > > Forgive me if it’s a woosh, but battery means hitting someone. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2014, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-bathroom-policing-harassment-new-york-comiccom/701001/9 "2014-10-11T00:41:26Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I considered that. But the sign already included physical assault and intimidation in their zero tolerance list. Thats why the only thing left would be a real battery. Maybe because of the acid in them? Battery, legally, is different from assault and intimidation. It’s more logical it’s referring to that rather than bringing Duracells. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2014, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-bathroom-policing-harassment-new-york-comiccom/701001/10 "2014-10-11T00:53:44Z")
ok I see now. That is one long list of no no’s for what is supposed to be a whacky and fun event. That could have just said be nice and respectful to each other. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2014, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-bathroom-policing-harassment-new-york-comiccom/701001/11 "2014-10-11T00:57:43Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > ok I see now. That is one restrictive sign for what is supposed to be a whacky and fun event. Unfortunately, since many female costumes, in particular, are kind of provocative (think comic book girl portrayals) there ends up being a lot of sexual harassment. Plus, the event is huge- tons of people trying to get from one place to another, waiting in line etc. Tempers can flare. Behind costumes and masks some people lose social inhibitions and can act out in appropriately. My husband and teen kids went to NY ComicCon last year. It was fun, but really intense at times. I think the signs are prudent. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2014, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-bathroom-policing-harassment-new-york-comiccom/701001/12 "2014-10-11T01:15:51Z")
> [@IvoryTowerDenizen](#): > > My husband and teen kids went to NY ComicCon last year. It was fun, but really intense at times. I think the signs are prudent. _Some_ kind of sign is appropriate, but a giant blob of text seems useless, especially since there is no possible way to have a complete list, and the rules are necessarily subject to the interpretation of the staff. “Don’t hit people, don’t be a creeper, and don’t push your luck” would work better IMHO. ---
**Author:** ![Una\_Persson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/una_persson/32/346_2.png) [@Una\_Persson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Una_Persson)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2014, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-bathroom-policing-harassment-new-york-comiccom/701001/13 "2014-10-11T01:34:10Z")
> [@IvoryTowerDenizen](#): > > What does that mean? Go to the restroom that you identify with and ignore anyone else’s decision. Yeah, I wondered what it meant too. Still not sure. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2014, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-bathroom-policing-harassment-new-york-comiccom/701001/14 "2014-10-11T01:38:44Z")
> [@Una\_Persson](#): > > Yeah, I wondered what it meant too. Still not sure. Me neither. Ain’t that complicated, though. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2014, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-bathroom-policing-harassment-new-york-comiccom/701001/15 "2014-10-11T02:51:48Z")
The sign and wall o’ text come out of the history of problems at cons–there’s a context. Scalzi’s blog is a good source of history on this. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2014, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-bathroom-policing-harassment-new-york-comiccom/701001/16 "2014-10-11T02:58:16Z")
> [@susan](#): > > The sign and wall o’ text come out of the history of problems at cons–there’s a context. Scalzi’s blog is a good source of history on this. I’m aware of the issues (I go to a couple of cons that also have a history of \*-ism behavior). The problem is that this sign will have zero effect on the target audience. Better to simply inform people that staff will eject you at their discretion if they determine you are being an ass. Producing a detailed (but incomplete) list of no-nos will either cause people’s eyes to glaze over, or convince them that they can somehow rules-wrangle their way out. ---
**Author:** ![Steophan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steophan/32/9595_2.png) [@Steophan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steophan)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2014, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-bathroom-policing-harassment-new-york-comiccom/701001/17 "2014-10-11T03:35:10Z")
> [@Dr.Strangelove](#): > > The problem is that this sign will have zero effect on the target audience. I suspect at least part of the target audience are those that are being abused, and those who witness abuse. The hope is that they will then be more likely to either challenge the abusive behaviour or report it, whichever is appropriate, rather than just assuming it’s normal and acceptable. ---
**Author:** ![Deeg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/deeg/32/2955_2.png) [@Deeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deeg)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2014, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-bathroom-policing-harassment-new-york-comiccom/701001/18 "2014-10-11T03:36:59Z")
> [@IvoryTowerDenizen](#): > > What does that mean? Go to the restroom that you identify with and ignore anyone else’s decision. I’m guessing some of the problem is male creeps going into the women’s room to ogle the females. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2014, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-bathroom-policing-harassment-new-york-comiccom/701001/19 "2014-10-11T04:06:56Z")
> [@Deeg](#): > > I’m guessing some of the problem is male creeps going into the women’s room to ogle the females. Seriously, how often could that possibly happen? Plus, anyone ogling the women in a bathroom (male or female) would be an issue. I’m just not that worried about ogling guys masquerading as women sneaking into bathrooms. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2014, 7:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-bathroom-policing-harassment-new-york-comiccom/701001/20 "2014-10-11T07:33:20Z")
> [@Deeg](#): > > I’m guessing some of the problem is male creeps going into the women’s room to ogle the females. Yeah, that is just icky. Now, sure the girls _showers_, yes. But there’s nothing sexy going on the the womens restroom. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-bathroom-policing-harassment-new-york-comiccom/701001.md?page=2)