The quiet evening at the Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library in Georgia was shattered by a confrontation that has ignited a fierce debate. Sasha Swinson, a transgender woman, alleges a DeKalb County Police officer challenged her right to use the women’s restroom, an encounter she describes as deeply unsettling.
According to Swinson, the officer approached her shortly after she entered the restroom, instructing her to use either the men’s room or the family restroom in the future. The officer reportedly cited safety concerns as the reason for his intervention, a justification that has resonated with some community members for years.
Swinson felt immediately targeted and misidentified. She recounted the officer’s words, claiming he stated, “But you’re not a woman. That’s obvious,” a remark she perceived as a blatant act of misgendering and a source of profound fear.
The exchange escalated as Swinson questioned the officer’s authority, asking if he was employed by the library. His response, she says, was dismissive and assertive, declaring “What difference does that make? This is a police matter,” and framing the situation as a critical safety issue.
Swinson challenged the officer, accusing him of transphobia. The officer vehemently denied the accusation, and the situation reached a tense climax when he allegedly threatened arrest, stating she “should be thanking me for not taking you in right now.”
The incident, which occurred around 6:25 p.m. on October 20th, has quickly drawn the attention of advocacy groups. Organizations like the Transgender Law Center and Georgia Equality have condemned the officer’s actions, labeling them as transphobic and demanding accountability.
These groups assert that access to restrooms aligned with one’s gender identity is a fundamental human right, dismissing concerns about the safety and privacy of women and girls as discriminatory. They view the officer’s actions as a violation of that right.
The DeKalb County Police Department has acknowledged the incident and launched an internal investigation through its Internal Affairs unit. While details remain limited due to the ongoing nature of the inquiry, the department has affirmed its commitment to treating all community members with dignity and respect.
Swinson, a regular library patron, had stopped at the Tucker branch after dinner to read, unaware it was also serving as an early voting site, potentially explaining the officer’s presence. The incident has sparked a wider conversation about safety, inclusivity, and the rights of transgender individuals in public spaces.
