ZIM TRANS WOMAN TOILET CASE DISMISSED

A transgender Zimbabwean woman who was on trial for using a female bathroom in a Bulawayo hotel can breathe a sigh of relief.

Ricky Nathanson had been facing a charge of “criminal nuisance” for using the toilet but, on Tuesday, the case against her was dismissed.

According to Mojalifa Mokoele, Program Manager at the Sexual Rights Centre in Bulawayo, “the state failed to prove the offence.”

He said on Facebook: “Congrats Ricky. Now we are free to use any toilets we want… till the state makes it an offence. Lets keep flushing down injustices, and rights violations.”

Nathanson’s ordeal began on 16 January when a group of young men – described as Zanu PF youth – made a citizen’s arrests when she tried to use the bathroom.

They took her to the police and she was reportedly forced to undergo a physical examination at a local hospital to ascertain if she is biologically male.

Nathanson was then charged with criminal nuisance and later released on bail. She was also allegedly threatened by the thugs who detained her, leading her to flee her home in fear.

Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) earlier expressed their anger at Nathanson’s arrest, stating that it was a “miscarriage of justice… in a country where the right to one’s gender identity and gender expression are not recognised.”