Transgender Commission fights for better restroom access

[Shana A]

Transgender Commission fights for better restroom access
The University of Minnesota Transgender Commission is working with other departments to ensure access to restrooms as a basic right.
Published: 10/14/2009
By James Nord

http://www.mndaily.com/2009/10/14/transgender-commission-fights-better-restroom-access

Many students take the ability to use the bathroom for granted, but for some it is a daily battle.

The University of Minnesota Transgender Commission is attempting to raise awareness about restroom access on campus, not only for members of the transgender community, but for the disabled, chronically ill and anyone who is made uncomfortable by gender-specific public restrooms.

"There are so many reasons someone might just want to have a private space to use the restroom, and I don't think that's limited to trans-identified folks or gender-nonconforming folks, but really is a right that is for all of us," said Remy Corso, University of Minnesota Transgender Commission co-coordinator and transgender student.

[Suzy]

This is a great way to look at things.  It focuses on the fact that we are not the only ones who could use these kinds of rest rooms. 

Installing a new bathroom into an unused space or retrofitting a multi-stall, gender-specific restroom can cost up to $50,000, Hoff said.

Often, costs are inflated because the restrooms may need to comply with standards outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 .

Then they should change the law.  I know for a fact that these changes can be done much cheaper than this in nearly all cases.  I have done it.

Kristi