Hersheypark Welcomes Trans Visitors To Use Bathroom Matching Their Gender Identity

"The Park has and will always strive to accommodate all guests and employees."

From: NewNowNext

Amid continued national discourse over trans inclusion in public restrooms, Hersheypark has stepped forward to join the growing list of corporations that have stated that their restrooms will be fully accessible to all, regardless of gender identity.

The popular Pennsylvania theme park made the announcement via an email sent by Kathy Burrows, Public Relations Manager for the park, to the Inquisitr this past week. The online publication reached out to Burrows after reports that a trans man had received a muddled response from the park when he’d inquired as to their restroom policy before planning a trip there this summer.

To clarify the park’s stance on the issue, Burrows writes: “For decades, Hersheypark has been dedicated to the safety and security of our guests and employees. It is foundational to our brand. Additionally, the Park has and will always strive to accommodate all guests and employees–including members of the LGBT community–to ensure those visiting or working at Hersheypark are comfortable and feel secure.”

“To that end,” the email continues, “the Park will continue its practice of treating all guests and employees the same no matter race, ethnicity, sexual identity, etc. Guests and employees may continue to use the restrooms with which they gender-identify, or are welcome to use the many family restrooms available across the destination.”

Hersheypark is a huge summer destination, so the announcement that it will uphold trans inclusion in public spaces is a major victory. However, as Target received a myriad of complaints after announcing its support for the trans community earlier this year, Hersheypark has started to receive pointed hate as well, the most visceral coming from conservative TV personality Glenn Beck.

Beck opened up to Right Wing Watch with his reaction to the theme park’s announcement, saying that the issue of “Transgender bathrooms [has] come out of nowhere…I guarantee you, I guarantee you the next stop on this train is pedophilia. I guarantee it. They will normalize pedophilia.”

Beck’s noise aside, the news is fantastic for transgender travelers looking for a vacation spot where they can feel safe and secure this summer.