Going Beyond Trans Visibility: A simple guide for adopting gender-neutral, universal washrooms
- QMUNITY Team
- Jan 25, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 29
Ready to create change for the better? You’re in the right place.
When nature calls, it doesn’t differentiate based on gender - neither should washrooms. QMUNITY has developed this guide as a free, simple toolkit with some recommendations for how to adopt universal washrooms, and create safer spaces for all trans, non-binary, and gender diverse people to feel seen, safe, and welcome in your space.
We want this resource to be accessible to everyone, so we’ve focused on simple but impactful steps you can take towards making your space more inclusive.
Why does this matter?
We all have opportunities to help improve the lives and wellbeing of our friends, our families, and everyone within our communities. For many, discrimination and fear of harassment are a daily barrier to living full lives, free to be our authentic and true selves, safe from systemic discrimination and harassment.
Did you know:
A Canadian survey on trans and non-binary health found approximately 74% of trans youth avoided public washrooms for fear of being harassed, being seen as trans, or being outed.
An Ontario based study found that 1 in 5 trans people had been physically or sexually assaulted for being trans, causing 57% of trans Ontarians to avoid public washrooms out of fear for their safety.
Why should you help?
In B.C. there are approximately 18,000 openly trans and gender diverse people. While some laws exist to prevent institutional discrimination against the trans community, policies alone will not protect against systemic discrimination and harassment.
Did you know:
Inclusive policies improve perceived safety and mental health outcomes among trans and gender-diverse youth.
A growing population of trans and gender-diverse people makes universal washrooms essential for promoting equality and inclusivity.
Gender-inclusive washrooms benefit not only the trans and gender-diverse community, but also parents, those with disabilities, and caregivers.
The good news is that it only takes a few small changes to make a big difference in the lives of so many people who access and use your spaces, services, and more. In our guide, we have outlined some ways you can help.
