Gender-Neutral Bathrooms; A Single-Stall Sanctuary?

Gwyn Davies
Green Group

At some point or another, everyone has been in a situation where they couldnt find a
public restroom. They experienced desperation, fear, and physical discomfort. They couldnt
focus on anything else but needing to use the bathroom. For many people, this situation is a daily
reality. Those who are transgender (people who dont identify with the biological sex they were
assigned at birth) often feel uncomfortable, or even unsafe, using public restrooms because they
might face discrimination based on their gender identity. The same goes for gender nonconforming individuals (people whose gender expression doesnt match the norm.) Since most
bathrooms are still labeled men and women or something to this effect, they leave little room
for any gender diversity. This is also a problem for adults with disabilities who have caretakers of
a different gender, as well as parents who are a different gender than their young children. None
of these people have what the vast majority possesses; a safe space to use the restroom. Due to
safety concerns for gender minorities, accessibility issues, and accommodation for all, the US
Federal Government should require all new buildings to include at least one single-stall, genderneutral bathroom on each floor, and encourage all existing buildings to accommodate gender
diversity in restrooms.
Many previous efforts to solve this problem have failed. One of these attempts was the
institution of all-gender or co-ed bathrooms; multi-stalled bathrooms that are not genderspecific. These bathrooms replaced the traditional male and female bathrooms to include
people of every gender. It seems like an easy, inexpensive solution that allows everyone to feel
safe and comfortable. This is not always the case. In 2015, the University of Torontos Whitney
Hall made all its bathrooms were gender-neutral. However, on September 15th and 19th of the
same year, there were two incidents of voyeurism in which women were filmed while showering
(Denton). Whitney Hall has been forced to revert several of its bathrooms to single-gender only,

due to the safety concerns of many women who feel that all-gender bathrooms put them in
danger (Chin). At the University of Toronto, and many other places, this issue remains unsolved.
While all-gender, multi-stalled bathrooms may not be an effective solution to the
problem, neither is keeping bathrooms binary male/female only. In most circles, it is
acknowledged that there are people who identify as neither male nor female, as well as
transgender individuals who feel unsafe using either bathroom. While the argument can be made
that these individuals comprise a small minority of the population, only 0.3% of adults
according to a 2011 survey (Gates), its important to keep in mind that this number excludes
those who are gender non-conforming, have not officially come out or transitioned, and most
important, the growing number of youth who identify as transgender or non-binary (Miller).
There isnt even an option for gender identity on the US census, only biological sex. There are
also an approximate 44 million people in the US who provide care to adults and seniors with
disabilities (Family Caregiver Alliance). Many of these people will be a different gender than the
person for which they care. This creates a problem, since most bathrooms are single-gender only.
The same issue is faced by parents with young children of a different gender. Male/female
bathrooms are simply impractical and not fitted to todays needs.
To the vast majority, it may be hard to understand why something as simple as going to
the bathroom can be such a daunting task. Many cisgender people (those who identify with the
biological sex they were assigned at birth) never have to worry about being unsafe in a public
bathroom based on their gender expression. To experience a part of the struggle that a trans or
gender non-conforming person faces on a daily basis, one website suggests: try going into the
opposite sexs restroom, or looking for a gender-neutral restroom to use in a public space
(YouthResource). For trans individuals, using a public bathroom presents the possibility of real

danger. According to a study conducted at UCLA, 68% of respondents under the transgender
umbrella had experienced at least one instance of verbal abuse in bathrooms (Herman 7) and
eight respondents had experienced physical abuse (Herman 9). Several students reported
performing poorly in school or being distracted from their work because of restroom-related
issues (Herman 10). Some individuals may be so averse to using gendered public restrooms that
they hold it and avoid bathrooms altogether. This, however, can cause serious health problems;
54% percent of respondents had a physical issue (including dehydration, kidney or urinary tract
infection, and other kidney-related issues) because they had to avoid using a public restroom
(Herman 11). Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals need access to bathrooms in
which they can feel safe and comfortable just like everyone else.
Taking into account the needs of the trans community, adults with disabilities, and parents
with young children, while still allowing women a safe space of their own, the most effective
solution is the single-stall gender neutral restroom. These restrooms comply with universal
design, or the idea that public spaces should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their
abilities (Woodard). According to Edward Steinfeld, director of the Center for Inclusive Design
and Environmental Access, [gender neutral] restrooms address the needs of all ages and all
sexes...they address the needs of parents with children who need assistance, and also adults who
assist older adults (Zimmermann). In fact, the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
actually recommends gender-neutral restrooms, stating that unisex toilet rooms benefit people
who use opposite sex personal care assistants (Department of Justice 73). These restrooms are
also beneficial to trans and gender non-conforming individuals; according to Curt McKay, codirector for the University of Illinois Office for LGBT Concerns, The easiest solution to is to
have single-use (single-stall), gender-neutral bathrooms that anyone can usewhether or not

they identify themselves as male or female (Beltramini). With gender-neutral bathrooms, those
who feel uncomfortable using single-gender restrooms would be provided with a safe, accessible
alternative that benefits everyone.
While the concept of the gender-neutral bathroom may seem effective in theory, the
question of how to implement it in real life still stands. For public places with single-stall
bathrooms still labeled male/female, the solution is relatively simple. According to the
Transgender Law Center, making these types of bathrooms gender-neutral would require
nothing more than changing the signs on the doors, and is a relatively non-threatening way to
help people grow accustomed to the idea that people with different genders can use the same
public bathroom (Transgender Law Center 17). These new restroom signs may vary; but it must
be clear that the bathrooms are accessible and available for people of any gender
(YouthResource). This way, nobody feels excluded or treated differently than anyone else.
Although making single-stall bathrooms gender-neutral is relatively easy, multi-stalled
bathrooms present a concerning issue. Making multi-stalled restrooms all-gender seems
progressive in theory, but as shown by the incidents at the University of Toronto, these restrooms
make many individuals feel unsafe (Chin). Existing buildings with only two multi-stalled
bathrooms may not be able to construct another single stall bathroom, either based on space or
money concerns. In this situation, it is recommended that building owners label their bathrooms
in a way that welcomes gender diversity and emphasizes that people are free to use the bathroom
that best matches their identity (Unitarian Universalist Association). For new buildings (on
which construction begins after a set date), however, the Federal Government should require the
inclusion of at least one single-stall, gender-neutral restroom on each floor. According to the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is advantageous to all people, regardless of ability,

to install unisex toilet rooms in addition to accessible single-sex toilet rooms in new facilities
(Department of Justice 73).
This issue not only affects the 700,000 transgender adults in the US (Gates). It also
impacts the growing population of trans and gender-non conforming youth and people with
different gender caretakers or parents. Every day, these people are forced to make an almost
impossible choice that wouldnt even occur to most people. It affects not only their physical, but
emotional health (Herman). According to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, 41%
of respondents that identified under the trans umbrella had attempted suicide at some point int
their lives, as compared to 4.6% of the general population (Haas 2). One factor into this high rate
of suicide amongst transgender individuals is the type of discrimination that many face when
they enter a public restroom. Said one respondent the UCLA study: People questioning [an
individuals gender identity], and having that questioned on a daily basis can and does lead to
self-harm and even suicide and all sorts of things. Verbal harassment and even non-verbal
harassment, people just staring at you, can be dangerous (Herman 13). If public restrooms can
become more accepting toward gender diversity, it will be one less factor into the daily struggle
of trans and gender non-conforming individuals.
Everyone has the right to feel safe while using the public restroom. Single gender, multistalled bathrooms, however, discriminate against many groups of people who dont feel
comfortable using a restroom labeled male or female. With these type of restrooms, trans and
gender non-conforming individuals are subject to abuse, illness, and may even develop problems
at work or school. People with caretakers or parents of a different gender cant safely use the
bathroom. All-gender, multi-stalled bathrooms may seem like an easy solution to this problem,
but in reality, can make many people feel endangered. A possible way to resolve this issue is with

single-stall gender-neutral bathrooms. These bathrooms allow everyone, regardless of gender, to

have their own safe space. Even when these bathrooms cannot be implemented, it is important
that building owners do everything they can to support tolerance of gender diversity in
restrooms. In conclusion, the federal government must require all new buildings to have at least
one single-stall, gender-neutral bathroom on each floor. It is important to remember, however,
that trans and gender non-conforming individuals should not be forced to use a gender-neutral
bathroom if they feel uncomfortable doing so. Regardless of biological sex or gender expression,
everyone has the right to choose the bathroom that best fits their own identity.
Works Cited
"Caregiver Health." Family Caregiver Alliance. Web. 19 Mar. 2016.
"Gender Neutral Bathrooms." Unitarian Universalist Association. 2014. Web. 20 Mar. 2016.
"Gender Neutral FAQ." YouthResource. Web. 19 Mar. 2016.
Beltramini, Elizabeth. "Campus Restrooms' Role in Universal Design."Association of College
Unions International. May 2007. Web. 20 Mar. 2016.
Chin, Jessica. "U of T Decreases Gender-Neutral Bathrooms After Voyeurism Reports."
Huffington Post Canada. 06 Oct. 2015. Web. 19 Mar. 2016.
Denton, Jack O., and Damian Langton. "Voyeurism Threatens Whitney Hall, Stirs Gender
Debate." The Varsity. 05 Oct. 2015. Web. 19 Mar. 2016.
Department of Justice. 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. 15 Sept. 2010. PDF.
Gates, Gary J. How Many People Are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender? Apr. 2011. PDF.
Haas, Ann P., Ph.D., Philip L. Rodgers, Ph.D., and Jody L. Herman, Ph.D. Suicide Attempts
Among Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Adults. Jan. 2014. PDF.

Herman, Jody L. Gendered Restrooms and Minority Stress: The Public Regulation of Gender and
Its Impact on Transgender Peoples Lives. PDF.
Miller, Claire Cain. "The Search for the Best Estimate of the Transgender Population." The New
York Times. The New York Times, 08 June 2015. Web. 19 Mar. 2016.
Transgender Law Center. Peeing in Peace. San Fransisco, 2005. PDF.
Woodard, J. The Principles of Universal Design. Sept. 2006. PDF.
Zimmermann, Rachael. "Universal Design Means Accessibility for One and All." Facilitiesnet.
Nov. 2006. Web. 20 Mar. 2016.
Annotated Bibliography
"Caregiver Health." Family Caregiver Alliance. Web. 19 Mar. 2016.
This source provided the statistic that there are 44 million caretakers or personal
health attendants in the US. It delved into other information about caretakers that
wasnt relevant to my topic.
"Facilities for Families." Buildings. 07 Jan. 2004. Web. 20 Mar. 2016.
Goes into greater detail about the struggle of families with young children and
adults with caretakers, not all of which was pertinent. The first source I
encountered that discussed universal design.
"Gender Neutral Bathrooms." Unitarian Universalist Association. 2014. Web. 20 Mar. 2016.
Provides several suggestions on how to make bathrooms more welcoming for
gender non-conforming individuals. Helpful on the issue of what to do about
single-gender multi-stall bathrooms in existing buildings.
"Gender Neutral FAQ." YouthResource. Web. 19 Mar. 2016.

Written comprehensively for those uneducated about gender-neutral bathrooms.

Provides perspective for cisgender people about how trans individuals feel upon
entering a public bathroom.
"The Case Against Fully Shifting To Gender Neutral Bathrooms." SoCawlege. 2015. Web. 20
Mar. 2016.
This source is fairly biased, and is most likely written by a cis person. Its against
all-gender, multi-stall bathrooms, but still manages to be slightly transphobic.
However, it provides a different view than my own and causes me to think.
Ball, Aimee Lee. "In All-Gender Restrooms, the Signs Reflect the Times." The New York Times.
The New York Times, 05 Nov. 2015. Web. 20 Mar. 2016.
Very interesting, provides different examples of how buildings have decided to
execute gender-neutral or all-gender bathrooms, including the signs they used.
Beltramini, Elizabeth. "Campus Restrooms' Role in Universal Design."Association of College
Unions International. May 2007. Web. 20 Mar. 2016.
Lots of useful quotes. Includes pros and cons of gender-neutral bathrooms. Talks
more about universal design and how it connects to gender-neutral bathrooms.
Chin, Jessica. "U of T Decreases Gender-Neutral Bathrooms After Voyeurism Reports."
Huffington Post Canada. 06 Oct. 2015. Web. 19 Mar. 2016.
This source included more on what happened after the incidents at Whitney Hall
and the subsequent actions taken. It also included the student reaction.
Denton, Jack O., and Damian Langton. "Voyeurism Threatens Whitney Hall, Stirs Gender
Debate." The Varsity. 05 Oct. 2015. Web. 19 Mar. 2016.

This is the first source I encountered about the all-gender bathrooms at the
University of Toronto. It helped with the rebuttal against all-gender, multi-stall
bathrooms in the second paragraph.
Department of Justice. 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. 15 Sept. 2010. PDF.
This was an incredibly useful source, because its a fairly well-known legal
document and appeals to the readers ethos. It also states that gender-neutral
bathrooms are beneficial to those with caretakers.
Gates, Gary J. How Many People Are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender? Apr. 2011. PDF.
This source provided statistics on how many people are transgender in the US. It
helped to strengthen my argument about why people should not dismiss genderneutral bathrooms as unimportant.
Haas, Ann P., Ph.D., Philip L. Rodgers, Ph.D., and Jody L. Herman, Ph.D. Suicide Attempts
among Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Adults. Jan. 2014. PDF.
I used this source to compare the number of transgender adults who attempt
suicide with the general population.
Herman, Jody L. Gendered Restrooms and Minority Stress: The Public Regulation of Gender and
Its Impact on Transgender Peoples Lives. PDF.
Possibly the most useful source I encountered. Provided the majority of statistics
related to trans discrimination in public restrooms, which appeals to the readers
pathos. Lots of interesting quotes and anecdotes.
Miller, Claire Cain. "The Search for the Best Estimate of the Transgender Population." The New
York Times. The New York Times, 08 June 2015. Web. 19 Mar. 2016.

Provided some degree of clarity on the number of transgender individuals in the

US, as well as perspective on who is affected.
Transgender Law Center. Peeing in Peace. San Fransisco, 2005. PDF.
Further explained how making single-stall restrooms gender-neutral would be
executed. Provided a strong quote and good background information.
Woodard, J. The Principles of Universal Design. Sept. 2006. PDF.
Helped to define the concept of universal design. Gave several clarifying
examples that further explained it.
Zimmermann, Rachael. "Universal Design Means Accessibility for One and All."Facilitiesnet.
Nov. 2006. Web. 20 Mar. 2016.
Illustrated how universal design is applied in real life. Provided a strong quote as
to what universal design means.