asterroc ([personal profile] asterroc) wrote2007-07-20 10:33 pm

Gender neutral bathrooms

Link via [livejournal.com profile] the_xtina, Safe2Pee is a (still-beta) user-inputted database of gender-neutral bathrooms. Includes information about the accessability of the bathroom and Google Maps of where they are.

"The goal of the project is to create a resource where people who do not feel comfortable with traditional public restrooms can find safe alternatives, and to support advocacy and research to further the cause of gender free, inclusive bathrooms."

[identity profile] calzephyr77.livejournal.com 2007-07-21 03:29 am (UTC)(link)
That's neat! I've heard of MizPee as well...ooh, Calgary's on it! My husband swears I know where every washroom is from here to Edmonton, I'll have to fill up that map!

[identity profile] galbinus-caeli.livejournal.com 2007-07-21 01:35 pm (UTC)(link)
What is it about gender segregated toilets that makes people feel uncomfortable?

Personally I think it is kind of silly, antiquated and a waste of resources, but uncomfortable would not be the first adjective to come to mind.

[identity profile] kadath.livejournal.com 2007-07-21 01:51 pm (UTC)(link)
It can be downright dangerous for transfolk and others of non-traditional gender presentation to use gender-segregated restrooms. eg.

[identity profile] galbinus-caeli.livejournal.com 2007-07-21 10:27 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah! That makes sense. Thanks.

[identity profile] zandperl.livejournal.com 2007-07-21 02:05 pm (UTC)(link)
Honestly, I'd be more uncomfortable about using a bathroom with a person of the opposite gender. However, there are two reasons I'm for gender neutral bathrooms. The better reason is the safety of transpeople - I'd gladly put up with some discomfort (until I got used to it) if it meant that my trans friends didn't have to put up with daily threats and verbal abuse.

The selfish reason is that because women require more time in the bathroom (we have to take pants down while men don't, and it takes even more time when we have to change "feminine hygeine products"), and typically women's bathroom facilities are the same size as men's, women's rooms have longer lines. If we made them the same place, it would equal out.