Montreal Walmart hit with complaint after transgender customer grilled over bathroom use
A customer of a Walmart in Montreal is filing a discrimination complaint with the Quebec Human Rights Commission and calling on the retailer to ensure trans shoppers can use the bathroom they feel most comfortable in.
Seth Day says he was publicly berated by an employee at a Walmart located at 5400 Jean-Talon West last week after he used the store's washroom.
"It was really traumatic and stressful, being treated so unkindly," said Day, who is transgender and uses "he" and "they" pronouns.
"For me, that means that I don't identify as a man or woman, sort of somewhere in between. And in terms of expression, I have a beard, but I also a dress very feminine," he explained.
He says that also means he doesn't always use the same bathroom. On Aug. 25, while shopping for groceries he needed to use the facilities and headed for the women's door.
Shortly after he emerged and resumed shopping, an employee confronted him and asked, Day said, to tell him his sex. The employee, who Day said was described as an assistant manager by other staff members, also informed him that he couldn't use the bathroom because it was making others feel uncomfortable.
"To which I responded that there was no gender-neutral bathroom or family bathroom. ... What bathroom am I supposed to use, then? What about my comfort as a client?" he said.
He considered abandoning his groceries but went to find a general manager instead, who he said apologized for what had happened.
Day said he couldn't get a clear answer about what would be done to keep other trans shoppers from having similar experiences.CTV asked Walmart Canada about the incident and, in a brief statement, a company spokesperson said that respect for the individual is one of the company's core values.
"We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for our associates and our customers. We take matters of this nature very seriously and are looking into this customer’s experience," wrote Senior Manager of Corporate Affairs, Stephanie Fusco.
Day hopes his story will push retailers to train employees about gender identity and expression.
"Imagine you were just going to the bathroom and someone was asking what genitals you had. That's so wild when you frame it like that, but I feel like it's dehumanizing, right?" he said.
"When you're doing things like that to trans people, it's acting like trans people are less than, if you wouldn't do that to someone else," said Day.
AN EXAMPLE OF 'DISCRIMINATION': ADVOCATE
"That definitely should never happen to anyone anywhere," said James Galantino, director of the LGBT Quebec Council, an organization that brings together more than 70 community groups.
"Discrimination based on gender identity or expression is prohibited by the Quebec Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Human Rights Act," he said.
The law is clear in stating that everyone's gender identity and expression has to be respected, "and that gives access to a trans person to use the bathroom they're comfortable to use, " said Galantino.
"Trans and non-binary people have a very, very common basic need and that is to pee -- to pee in peace just like everyone else," Galantino said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.