Transgender activists push for more gender-neutral bathrooms in the District of Columbia
by Matthew E. Pilecki
EDGE Contributor
Tuesday Mar 23, 2010
http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=103720As transgender Americans continue to gain visibility, the movement to mandate gender-neutral bathrooms has gained traction in the District of Columbia.
The DC Trans Coalition, an all-volunteer organization, formed after a number of trans activists, service providers and allies organized to pressure lawmakers to add gender identity and expression to the city's Human Rights Act. After the City Council voted unanimously in favor of the additions in 2007, the DCTC played a critical role in drafting regulations-including bathroom provisions-that businesses and public agencies were mandated to follow in order to practically implement the revised doctrine. Activist and DCTC member Sadie Ryanne Baker, however, told EDGE many businesses have neglected to follow the regulations, which include labeling all single stall restrooms in a gender-neutral fashion.
