Trans Affirm Launches Bathroom Map After Idaho Restroom Ban

The nonprofit Trans Affirm launched the Idaho Inclusive Bathroom Map to help transgender and gender-diverse residents find safe, gender-neutral facilities following the enactment of House Bill 752. The law criminalizes knowingly entering a bathroom or changing room in government buildings and private businesses that does not align with a person's sex assigned at birth. First-time offenders face misdemeanor charges with up to one year in prison, while second offenses within five years are classified as felonies punishable by up to five years.

U.S. District Court Judge Amanda K. Brailsford issued a partial block on the law's application after a lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union. The ruling allows transgender individuals to use single-user restrooms aligned with their gender identity, or multi-stall bathrooms if no single-user option is available on the same floor. Judge Brailsford ruled that the law invites arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement.

Advocates argue the partial block is insufficient. Scar Rulien, a board member of Trans Affirm, described the legal reprieve as a "Band-Aid on a bullet hole-type situation," noting that the law remains confusing and poses safety risks for those actively transitioning. Trans Affirm developed the map to provide practical tools for community knowledge sharing and to increase access to information for people navigating public spaces.