Restaurant staff allegedly requires Minnesota teenager to validate her gender for bathroom access.
In the United States, the issue of bathroom access for transgender individuals has become a contentious topic, with various states implementing laws that restrict access based on biological sex. As of mid-2025, 19 U.S. states have such laws or pending legislation, often referred to as "bathroom bills."
These laws vary significantly by state. For instance, New Hampshire's legislation, currently pending in the Senate, would restrict bathroom and locker room use by biological sex in public places, including schools. Tennessee mandates multi-occupancy restrooms and other facilities be designated by sex assigned at birth, applying to all public buildings. Texas' Texas Women’s Privacy Act prohibits transgender individuals from using multi-occupancy restrooms that do not align with their biological sex in government buildings, including schools.
In contrast, Utah's approach, as outlined in HB 257, restricts student access in public schools to restrooms and locker rooms consistent with their biological sex. However, it allows for negotiations between students and parents for single-occupancy restrooms or private accommodations. Students with medical documentation consistent with their gender identity may also use corresponding restrooms.
The issue of bathroom access extends beyond K-12 schools. In some states like Idaho, laws prohibit transgender people from using restrooms matching their gender identity at public colleges and universities. Boise State University is currently challenging Idaho’s HB 264 in court, arguing that inclusive restroom policies have operated safely for years without incidents.
Enforcement and legal challenges are common. Many of these laws include provisions allowing any person to sue if they encounter a transgender person using a disallowed facility. Litigation is ongoing to block or reverse such bans, citing constitutional and discrimination concerns.
The impact of these laws is significant. Over 25% of U.S. transgender individuals live in states with bathroom bans, affecting access not only in schools but also colleges, government buildings, and correctional facilities.
A recent incident in Minnesota highlights the challenges faced by transgender individuals. A teenager named Gerika Mudra filed a charge of discrimination against a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in Owatonna. While dining with a friend in April, Mudra was confronted in the women's restroom by a server who demanded she "prove" she was a girl. Mudra, who is biracial and a lesbian, felt uncomfortable and unzipped her hoodie to show she has breasts, but the server did not respond.
Mudra's experience reflects a broader climate of fear and suspicion aimed at anyone who doesn't conform to narrow expectations of what girls and women 'should' look like. Sara Jane Baldwin, senior staff attorney at Gender Justice, stated that businesses have a legal obligation to train staff and ensure antidiscrimination policies are followed in real time.
Minnesota is one of 21 states and Washington, D.C., that explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in public accommodations. The charge was filed by Gender Justice, a Minnesota gender-equality organization.
The legal landscape is actively evolving through legislation and court cases. Inspire Brands, which represents Buffalo Wild Wings, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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