Trans woman visiting the UK nervously asked where she could legally use the restroom — the staff member’s response brought her to tears

For many trans women, everyday things that most people never have to think twice about can come with a lot of anxiety. Even something as simple as using a public restroom. For Jolina Mennen, a trans woman visiting the UK, those worries became very real after she heard about the country's changing rules around single-sex spaces. On August 24, 2026, she shared a recorded conversation under her handle @jolinamennen in which she nervously asked a staff member at London's O2 Arena where she could legally use the restroom. She wanted to respect the law and avoid causing any trouble, but the staff member's response was far more reassuring than she expected.

Mennen explained to the worker that she had heard trans people were no longer allowed to use the women’s restroom in public spaces. "I just want to use the restroom," she told her, saying she was simply trying to be respectful and avoid any trouble. The conversation could have easily become uncomfortable, but the staff member responded with kindness instead. She told Mennen that, as far as her personal opinion went, she should use whichever restroom she felt comfortable using. "Don’t give a f***," she said, and reassured her that she should not feel ashamed or uncomfortable about meeting a basic human need. However, because she needed to be professional, she told the woman that she'd check with the supervisor to make things easier for her.  

Rather than judging Mennen, the employee tried to make sure she was comfortable and offered her a warm hug. Mennen seemed relieved by how kindly the stranger was treating her and thanked her repeatedly. The worker reassured her that she understood why Mennen was worried and that she would try to make things easier for her. Mennen then said she would be fine and that nobody would "clock" her.

The conversation also showed just how much uncertainty Mennen was carrying with her. Her insecurity was not without basis. A 2021 review published in Frontiers in Sociology examined the debate over transgender women using women's restrooms and found that being denied access can expose trans people to embarrassment, discrimination, and negative effects on their physical and mental health. The researchers also said that the safety concerns often used to support these restrictions were not backed by the evidence they reviewed.

Viewers took to the comments section to share their opinions. Instagram user @bigpidge mentioned, "I'm sorry that some people have made it so the UK put this law in place." Meanwhile, @emma._574 wrote, "As a Brit woman, if you identify as a woman, go to the woman's restroom. The vast majority of Brits are not transphobic." @lovely.marie.xox remarked, "How can a respectful person like her be a threat?"

To see more of her content, you can follow @jolinamennen on Instagram.

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