Minorities such as the LGBTQ+ community need the verification; the hospitality; and the
assurance that they are in a safe place. There is a culture of fear which has dispersed across the
community— as historically, they are subjected to physical and emotional harassment in their day-to-day lives. In response, we have organizations such as the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (LAGLCC). YML has officially joined the family and is a part of the LAGLCC chamber. Together we are striving to create safe public spaces for minorities in our jurisdictions in the Southern California and Florida areas.
We recognize that simple commodities, like the restroom, are taken for granted by the majority of the U.S population. According to the U.S Transgender Survey, 59% of the respondents have avoided using the public restroom in fear of harassment. 32% limited the amount of food and drinks they consumed to bypass going to the restroom. Another 8% reported having a urinary tract infection, kidney infection, or other kidney-related issues because they were habitually foregoing the need to relieve themselves. The LGBTQ+ community have a sense of camaraderie with each other as they continue to experience such similar issues. They can only find solace between themselves as most have been repeatedly rejected by co-workers, strangers,
friends, and even family.
YML is working forward to announce solidarity for the LGBTQ+ who are faced with blatant discrimination. Specifically the discrimination which has resulted in a fear of public spaces. It should come as no surprise, as after all, last year more than 130 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced. When you are met with constant aggravation and aggression left and right, it is inevitable to feel ostracized. Professionals have coined this feeling as the minority stress model. As the minority continues to feel extraneous in comparison to the majority, they succumb to severe mental health issues. As a company, YML has the responsibility to help put an end to the discrimination, and internalized discrimination of LGBTQ+ members.
LAGLCC and YML Portable Restrooms are allies to all minorities and we want to be apart of the camaraderie shared within the community. No longer, should people feel desolate in public areas. Everyone deserves the right to feel at ease regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The numbers speak for themselves. The sheer volume of people who have trained themselves to not do a basic human necessity due to fear of public scrutiny, is simply inhumane. Our services offered in Southern California and Florida, are inclusive safe havens for any and all customers. In the future, we hope more companies will take lead to publicly support the LGBTQ+ community and simply make it our collective goal to serve people.
