Bathroom debacle

Ninety minutes after the Weekly posted a story April 27 about a transgender guest being escorted out of the Cosmo and banned for life, the hotel administration issued us a statement saying they “regret any misunderstanding or inappropriate actions” and that the woman is welcome back at the resort “anytime.” Online, the update and original story were recommended a total of 452 times, and readers responded with a mix of anger and optimism in the comments feed. Here are a few highlights:

I can pretty much guarantee if a transgender woman walked into the men’s room and used it, there would be a lot more uproar. Maybe we biological females should start wandering into men’s rooms at the Cosmo and see how they deal with it. —Ginger Bruner

They never said why she was kicked out. We are assuming it is because of gender issues, but she could be hooking or have stolen something. For a casino to be that aggressive to one guest something would have to have transpired beforehand. Also, there is no family bathroom on this floor or in this area. The closest one is up a level by the buffet. —Zacodio LaShaunt

It’s ridiculous how people think trans women using the women’s restroom is “dangerous.” Going in the men’s room is what’s dangerous! As soon as a trans woman uses the men’s room, she outs herself to everybody there, leaving her in danger to all the sick people who might beat her up or even kill her for just being who she is. Contrary to what society tells you, trans people are human beings who deserve the same right to safety and respect as everybody else. —Tina Madra

While I wish this had never happened to begin with, I have to say that the Cosmopolitan knew they effed up and made a quick change. I really like the property and am glad they don’t have a “tin ear.” This also should be a lesson to Donald Trump on how things work here in Vegas. —Derek Washington

Feral Phenomenon

Our answer to the city’s stray cat problem? Give ’em all to the CES attendees and Polish Las Vegans. P.S. We don’t hate cats.

I have yet to hear a horror story regarding feral cats in Las Vegas ... like they broke into a house, hissing at the owners, then spraying the place and scratching the cloth furniture. In my experience, the worst I’m aware of is they didn’t wanna make friends, and the rat/mouse population didn’t dwell where they did. Is this another solution in search of a problem? —Jon Moser

This is such a huge problem here. I wish there were a humane solution. Anyone who doesn’t think this is a problem needs to visit my neighborhood. Old ladies start feeding a few and then they’re everywhere. They think they’re doing something good, but they’re just making a huge mess of things and creating more imprinted and feral cats. —Molly O’Donnell

Trumped

In his column, Steve Friess warned that Donald Trump’s political leanings could end up damaging his local hotel. Next up: Is the Donald actually dumb?

Trump is an imbecile. Making loads of dollars doesn’t make anybody smart. —Mo Sigat

His level of intelligence is why he makes “loads” of money. Respectfully, sir, he is a great entrepreneur and business legend. He also does a lot of good with all of the donations and charities he supports and the amount of taxes that he pays to the federal government. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. He wasn’t dropped into his position. Nor born into money. True capitalism at work. —Ryan Trucker

Trump’s father was a multimillionaire. Trump was born into money; every fool knows this. It’s a little easier to be a millionaire when you’re born a millionaire. Trump is making a huge mistake by targeting gays and women and alligning with the birthers. He will feel it in his businesses. Being born rich doesn’t make one smart, and this seems like a really dumb move. He has no chance and he’s only creating ill will. He’s trying to be relevant. His shows have declined in ratings, he’s bankrupted himself more than once. He’s no super brain. —Norman Dostal

Muscle UP

Last week, Kristen Peterson wrote about her experience preparing for and eventually losing to arm wrestling champion Erin Stellmon as part of the exhibit Feminist/Las Vegas. Let the feminisim debate begin!

This exhibit was definitely about having fun with art, and I am always happy to see humor and satire used in the same sentence as art. I loved being there to support the women’s studies department at UNLV; I loved the performances; and I had a great time.

But Kristen is wrong when she says the show is an “art exhibit celebrating the diversity of sexuality, gender, feminism and women.” Diversity, especially in terms of age, was non-existent. It really just celebrates a small in-crowd of UNLV artists who are too young to have been involved in the feminist struggles of the ’60s and ’70s. That is perfectly fine, as long as it does not pretend to be anything else. The title of the show is misleading, and I think that was the only flaw. Please keep fighting the good fight, but please remember to also fight ageism, and keep sisterhood in your hearts as a wide brush, not a narrow one. And thanks for the cookies! —Diane Bush

I’m not sure I understand why it’s necessary to have been alive in the ’60s and ’70s to be involved in feminist struggles. Correct me if I’m wrong, but the fights that began in the ’60s are still alive and well today. I’m all for fighting the good fight, but I’m also aware that in-fighting is what’s kept so many important causes from being fully realized. If this single exhibit was not 100 percent inclusive of every sub-group within its umbrella, is that really cause for derision, for sniping, for criticism? ”Luciano Noble II