Transwoman’s Tucker library encounter sparks investigation by DeKalb County Police

An image from a phishing scam letter sent to particular Tucker residents Photo courtesy of Sasha Swinson A typical Monday afternoon at the Tucker-Reid H Cofer Library became both frustrating and scary for Sasha Swinson when a DeKalb County police officer allegedly approached her with a misgendered greeting Excuse me sir The DeKalb County Police Department s Internal Affairs Unit is actively analyzing the occurrence involving an officer and Swinson a trans woman and lifelong DeKalb County resident Because the inquiry is ongoing we are unable to share additional details at this time Elise Wells DeKalb County Police population information officer stated Rough Draft Atlanta The department remains dedicated to treating all members of our society with dignity respect and professionalism Swinson explained the verbal altercation with the officer was every transphobic trope one could experience in seconds The episode which took place on Oct has drawn attention on social media and is a matter the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners is also watching closely In an interview with Rough Draft Atlanta Swinson recalled a seemingly innocuous afternoon at the library stopping by after visiting one of her favorite Tucker eateries Bell Street Burritos As she was leaving the women s restroom as she had done several times without circumstance over the years she was cornered by a DeKalb County police officer who has not been identified by the department You re going to have to use the men s restroom or the family restroom Swinson declared the officer explained her after she left the restroom When she noted she notified the officer she used the correct restroom his response further insulted her You re not a woman That s obvious The entire conversation occurred with other library patrons nearby Swinson announced A DeKalb County library official informed the police and the county commission about the altercation Though Tucker and DeKalb County have a nondiscrimination ordinance the ordinance does not reference bathroom use specifically Quinn Hudson DeKalb County Board of Commissioners spokesman communicated Rough Draft Atlanta County officers are in assistance of the DeKalb County Police Department as they address what appears to be a matter of training Hudson disclosed In practice the county advises that library patrons use the restroom that aligns with their gender identity DeKalb County strongly supports our LGBTQ region and we embrace the right to express one s sexual orientation and gender identity DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson disclosed in a announcement As a development of the episode we are reviewing our educational curriculum and laws to ensure our LGBTQ society is protected and feels welcomed in DeKalb County Swinson explained she has appreciated the swift compassionate response from the police department and the county She stated she has no plans to take legal action at this point I don t want this guy fired or anything but I would just like for people to be educated on how to deal with the community especially the LGBTQ society Swinson mentioned I m just hoping that good can come out of this Swinson s pastor Matthew D O Rear has supported her through the ordeal He explained the case has shaken Swinson but the region backing speaks volumes O Rear pastor of St Luke Lutheran Church in Buckhead mentioned he has tried to avoid the Facebook comments that have disparaged Swinson and often come up when transgender bathroom use enters the community conversation There s so much vitriol O Rear advised Rough Draft Atlanta The rise of Christian Nationalism puts people and party above the teachings of Jesus It s about going to the margins and that s where Jesus is discovered That s where Sasha is The post Transwoman s Tucker library encounter sparks study by DeKalb County Police appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta