Criticisms
STP devices have attracted some criticism, and sometimes straight up hate. I’m going to address some of those criticisms here, and I’ll try to represent them fairly.
I want to be really clear: no one has to use these things if they don’t want to. I want to spread awareness, not make people feel bad because they aren’t into it. There’s nothing wrong with just saying “this isn’t my thing.” But sadly some people don’t want it to be anybody’s thing, so I wanted to address the following criticisms:
What is wrong with squatting? Normalize squatting. Women are not being taught how to squat effectively, and that does them a disservice. You shouldn’t need an STP.
I have no hate in my heart for squatting. I’ve done it many times and I was pretty good at it before my knees got weird. If you prefer to squat, rock on! I’d say it’s a useful skill to have, if you can do it and want to do it.
But it really bothers me when people act like squatting is a viable option for everyone. If it needs saying, here’s a breakdown:
Some people are disabled and cannot squat
Some people prefer to stand for reasons of gender affirmation
Some people are uncomfortable exposing their body while squatting
Some people just find it more convenient to stand. I have done it both ways and I find it easier to stand. I notice no one tells cisgender men to squat when they pee outside.
And I’d also like to address the elephant in the room: if you are a woman who wants to pee standing up for any reason, you’re not doing gender wrong. There’s no such thing as a “gender traitor.” A lot of this “women need to squat” business comes NOT from a desire to normalize squatting (fine and good) but from the belief, conscious or unconscious, that there is a gender binary where men do “man things” and women do “woman things” and that those things are mutually exclusive. To which I say: nah. Look, cis men don’t get period cramps, right? So why is it ok for cis women to take painkillers? DO THEY WANT TO BE MEN? Or is it ok to sometimes do something that makes life a little easier? Or that feels good? If you’re a woman who pees standing up, then for you, peeing standing up is womanly.
We shouldn’t advocate for STP devices because we should be advocating for more facilities/better infrastructure.
There certainly SHOULD be more facilities and better infrastructure, especially in terms of gender-neutral bathrooms. This is a feminist issue, an issue of disabilities rights, and a queer issue. It’s important to advocate for these changes, and, in my opinion, it is also ok to use an STP. The is a “both/and” situation. One does not preclude the other.
Also, let’s be realistic: are there are going to be public bathrooms in every remote corner of nature? Every fifteen miles down the highway? On every small fishing boat? On deployment? Advocating for better facilities is essential, but when used as an argument against use of STPs, it boils down to “women and disabled people should stick to where the indoor plumbing is.” Not all of us want that leash.
And as with other arguments, this fails to consider both the question of gender affirmation and the question of preference. Does it hurt anybody if it feels right to pee a certain way?
They just don’t work reliably!
One thing is true: if you can’t make an STP work reliably, it isn’t much good. I don’t want an STP that might fail at an important time. But they work for many people, so to say they “just don’t work” isn’t true.
For most people, honestly, it doesn’t INSTANTLY work. For an STP to “work reliably,” two things have to happen: you have to get the one that fits your body, circumstances, and clothing, and you have to practice. So like any skill, it takes research, time and effort. But that’s all it is: a skill. If you want to learn, you can. If you don’t, don’t.
They cause [XZY medical issue].
I’m not a doctor. Please talk to your doctor if you have concerns about using an STP. Getting correct information is important because there is a lot of fear-mongering out there.
I will simply say that I have not noticed any problems with my pelvic floor, have not had any infections, and in general have not suffered any dire medical consequences from STP use. But that’s me. Talk to a doc.
Actually, women can pee standing up without an STP.
Very cool that some people can do this, but since not all can, I would say there is still a need for STPs.
Misogynist malarkey
I know I said I would represent these criticisms fairly, but anything to do with “gender means you can’t do things” is dumb. Here’s a rapid fire set of responses to these types of statements:
You just want to be a man. Is pissing truly at the core of manhood? Is that the beating heart of masculinity: urination? I don’t find peeing impacts my gender. Does my peeing impact your gender?
Are you trans? Nah. Nothing wrong with that though. Also, are trans people the only people allowed to play with gender? I think we should all play a little.
It’s unnatural/weird: No, because I am a mammal and I do it. Very natural.
Is this a piss kink? I don’t shame kinks. But if anything, this is a convenience kink.
Use a toilet you filthy b--- Thanks, random internet man! I will think of you fondly as I pee wherever the heck I want.
You’re going to get a disgusting “cooter” infection. You’re going to get arrested for public urination and become a sex offender. You’re disgusting. And yet here I am, uninfected, a free woman. I might be disgusting, but not for urological reasons.
In short, pee how you want. Remember that there are a variety of reasons to use an STP device. We’re all just out here doing our best!