News and Events => Bathroom News => Topic started by: suzifrommd on October 29, 2013, 01:03:50 PM Return to Full Version
Title: Philadelphia PA: Gender-Neutral Restrooms Become the Law
Post by: suzifrommd on October 29, 2013, 01:03:50 PM
Post by: suzifrommd on October 29, 2013, 01:03:50 PM
Gender-Neutral Restrooms Become the Law
By NBC10.Com Staff and Wire Reports
Monday, Oct 28, 2013
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/LGBT-Gender-Neutral-Restrooms-206932591.html (http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/LGBT-Gender-Neutral-Restrooms-206932591.html)
When Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter signed legislation Thursday to afford equal rights to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, he said he hoped Philadelphia would become "the most LGBT-friendly" city in the world.
One piece of that comprehensive legislation will forever alter the restroom options in city-owned buildings.
The legislation requires that new or renovated city-owned buildings include gender-neutral bathrooms in addition to traditional men's and women's restrooms.
By NBC10.Com Staff and Wire Reports
Monday, Oct 28, 2013
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/LGBT-Gender-Neutral-Restrooms-206932591.html (http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/LGBT-Gender-Neutral-Restrooms-206932591.html)
When Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter signed legislation Thursday to afford equal rights to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, he said he hoped Philadelphia would become "the most LGBT-friendly" city in the world.
One piece of that comprehensive legislation will forever alter the restroom options in city-owned buildings.
The legislation requires that new or renovated city-owned buildings include gender-neutral bathrooms in addition to traditional men's and women's restrooms.
Title: Re: Philadelphia PA: Gender-Neutral Restrooms Become the Law
Post by: MariaMx on October 29, 2013, 02:25:17 PM
Post by: MariaMx on October 29, 2013, 02:25:17 PM
I'm confused. Does this mean trans people will be forced to use the gender neutral bathroom while cis people get to choose?
Title: Re: Philadelphia PA: Gender-Neutral Restrooms Become the Law
Post by: Jill F on October 29, 2013, 02:30:16 PM
Post by: Jill F on October 29, 2013, 02:30:16 PM
I personally would not use gender-neutral bathrooms when they exist in addition to traditional m/f bathrooms unless there was a long line and a sense of urgency. It's nice they do exist, as I think a lot of non-binary people would benefit, as would families with small children. Sadly, it's probably best they exist for those of us who don't blend in well.
For me, if I were to use the neutral bathroom I might as well just put on a flashing neon sign that says "I'm trans- look at me!" I try not to draw attention to myself, as I am quite tall and have a large frame. I have never once had a problem using the ladies' room, as I am "plausibly female" enough these days to get away with it. I also would never feel safe again in a mens' room. I've seen the way GGs often get treated in them, and it churns my stomach. (Now why a GG would want to wade in the overflow in the first place is beyond me.) Presenting female in a mens room outside of a gayborhood could mean very bad things as well. I don't go there- ever.
One thing that happened to me recently was going to the ladies' room after a concert, and while standing in the long line, a woman screamed, "Oh my God, there's a MAN in here! GET THE F OUT or I'm calling the cops you effing pervert!" Turns out I was not the individual in question. It was clearly a GG with a binder and a bit of dark unshaven facial hair. *facepalm*
Perhaps the best thing is just to have a row of individual unisex toilet stalls with sinks and mirrors? I've seen this setup in recently constructed buildings and it seems to work just fine.
For me, if I were to use the neutral bathroom I might as well just put on a flashing neon sign that says "I'm trans- look at me!" I try not to draw attention to myself, as I am quite tall and have a large frame. I have never once had a problem using the ladies' room, as I am "plausibly female" enough these days to get away with it. I also would never feel safe again in a mens' room. I've seen the way GGs often get treated in them, and it churns my stomach. (Now why a GG would want to wade in the overflow in the first place is beyond me.) Presenting female in a mens room outside of a gayborhood could mean very bad things as well. I don't go there- ever.
One thing that happened to me recently was going to the ladies' room after a concert, and while standing in the long line, a woman screamed, "Oh my God, there's a MAN in here! GET THE F OUT or I'm calling the cops you effing pervert!" Turns out I was not the individual in question. It was clearly a GG with a binder and a bit of dark unshaven facial hair. *facepalm*
Perhaps the best thing is just to have a row of individual unisex toilet stalls with sinks and mirrors? I've seen this setup in recently constructed buildings and it seems to work just fine.
Title: Re: Philadelphia PA: Gender-Neutral Restrooms Become the Law
Post by: MariaMx on October 29, 2013, 02:39:15 PM
Post by: MariaMx on October 29, 2013, 02:39:15 PM
I wouldn't go in there either.
Title: Philly mayor says buildings must have gender-neutral bathrooms
Post by: Bardoux on November 02, 2013, 10:02:24 AM
Post by: Bardoux on November 02, 2013, 10:02:24 AM
Philly mayor says buildings must have gender-neutral bathrooms
Winnie McCroy, October 31st
Per a new law passed in Philadelphia on Oct. 24, all new or renovated city-owned buildings must now include gender-neutral bathrooms. Mayor Michael Nutter said he hoped that his quest to provide equal rights for LGBTs would making it "the most LGBT-friendly" city in the world.
NBC10 Philadelphia WCAU reports Mayor Nutter said that the comprehensive legislation requires that all new or renovated city-owned buildings must include not only men's and women's restrooms, but also gender-neutral bathrooms, for transgender individuals who are often harassed when using traditional bathrooms.
"It can be an awkward and embarrassing situation" for anyone who may "feel more like a woman, but can't use the women's room," Councilman Jim Kenney, the bill's sponsor, told the local NBC affiliate.
http://www.edgemiami.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=151357 (http://www.edgemiami.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=151357)
Winnie McCroy, October 31st
Per a new law passed in Philadelphia on Oct. 24, all new or renovated city-owned buildings must now include gender-neutral bathrooms. Mayor Michael Nutter said he hoped that his quest to provide equal rights for LGBTs would making it "the most LGBT-friendly" city in the world.
NBC10 Philadelphia WCAU reports Mayor Nutter said that the comprehensive legislation requires that all new or renovated city-owned buildings must include not only men's and women's restrooms, but also gender-neutral bathrooms, for transgender individuals who are often harassed when using traditional bathrooms.
"It can be an awkward and embarrassing situation" for anyone who may "feel more like a woman, but can't use the women's room," Councilman Jim Kenney, the bill's sponsor, told the local NBC affiliate.
http://www.edgemiami.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=151357 (http://www.edgemiami.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=151357)
Title: Re: Philadelphia PA: Gender-Neutral Restrooms Become the Law
Post by: LordKAT on November 02, 2013, 02:23:41 PM
Post by: LordKAT on November 02, 2013, 02:23:41 PM
Quote"It can be an awkward and embarrassing situation" for anyone who may "feel more like a woman, but can't use the women's room," Councilman Jim Kenney, the bill's sponsor, told the local NBC affiliate.
I read the words but hear that this way cis people don't have to share their bathrooms.
Bad ears/eyes I hope.
Title: Re: Philadelphia PA: Gender-Neutral Restrooms Become the Law
Post by: Amy The Bookworm on November 02, 2013, 10:00:17 PM
Post by: Amy The Bookworm on November 02, 2013, 10:00:17 PM
Quote from: LordKAT on November 02, 2013, 02:23:41 PM
I read the words but hear that this way cis people don't have to share their bathrooms.
Bad ears/eyes I hope.
This is a tricky situation for me to weigh in on. On the one hand, since I'm still pre HRT, I would definitely be more than happy to use a gender neutral restroom rather than a men's room. I'd just feel more comfortable with the option.
On the other ... especially once I'm on HRT and seriously trying to pass ... separating trans people into a separate rest room screams of situations like this from the early 20th century found most commonly in the united states:
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.outsidethebeltway.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F08%2Fwhites-only-drinking-fountain.png&hash=bae003005e6f41bf4bb8423dcedac2acd2191357)
Something about the similarity doesn't sit well with me.
So, I'm torn.
Title: Re: Philadelphia PA: Gender-Neutral Restrooms Become the Law
Post by: Rachael VanHelsing on January 17, 2014, 04:37:26 PM
Post by: Rachael VanHelsing on January 17, 2014, 04:37:26 PM
I totally agree. I work in hospitals and once I start my transition the bathroom and locker room situation will be a topic of great apprehensiveness for my since I plan on keeping my job through my transition.
Title: Re: Philadelphia PA: Gender-Neutral Restrooms Become the Law
Post by: sneakersjay on January 19, 2014, 07:20:25 AM
Post by: sneakersjay on January 19, 2014, 07:20:25 AM
They should just call it a family restroom and be done with it. I remember using the family bathrooms very early in transition when I was still a bit uncomfortable using the men's room, esp. in crowded venues (ie theme parks). I don't think they scream TRANS PEOPLE HERE! or anything. But more for parents with opposite gender kids when they get to that awkward age where they can't quite go alone but are old enough to really not go into the opposite gender bathroom.
Title: Re: Philadelphia PA: Gender-Neutral Restrooms Become the Law
Post by: JessieBirdie on January 20, 2014, 08:19:07 PM
Post by: JessieBirdie on January 20, 2014, 08:19:07 PM
Mhmm, my opinion is actually very different, I prefer those gender neutral bathrooms because...
1. I don't have to deal with ANY anxiety of being read while using the toilet at all. I don't feel any stigma from using these bathrooms either.
2. Privacy and not having to let the person in the stall next door hear you poop :v.
The only negatives imho are that those bathrooms tend to be a bit dirtier and that they aren't as common. However, this law makes em more common, so yay!
1. I don't have to deal with ANY anxiety of being read while using the toilet at all. I don't feel any stigma from using these bathrooms either.
2. Privacy and not having to let the person in the stall next door hear you poop :v.
The only negatives imho are that those bathrooms tend to be a bit dirtier and that they aren't as common. However, this law makes em more common, so yay!
Title: Re: Philadelphia PA: Gender-Neutral Restrooms Become the Law
Post by: Bimmer Guy on January 30, 2014, 11:25:26 AM
Post by: Bimmer Guy on January 30, 2014, 11:25:26 AM
I'm another one who thinks it would be best if it was a "family bathroom". It doesn't scream trans and also would be useful for parents who they do not feel comfortable enough to let their kids go into the bathroom by themselves. The downside of course is that with a bunch of kids using it the wait time is longer!
Title: Re: Philadelphia PA: Gender-Neutral Restrooms Become the Law
Post by: Parkhockey27 on February 05, 2014, 11:26:16 AM
Post by: Parkhockey27 on February 05, 2014, 11:26:16 AM
I think this would be a way to sort of divert people off the track that you are trans. Because people would think if you were indeed transgender you would use your designated bathroom. Then again not very many people would use those bathrooms. Less clean up!
Title: Re: Philadelphia PA: Gender-Neutral Restrooms Become the Law
Post by: ThatgirlClare on February 09, 2014, 08:54:47 PM
Post by: ThatgirlClare on February 09, 2014, 08:54:47 PM
I think having uni-sex bathrooms is a great thing for us, but then you have the issues everybody knows about. It's just like everything else, someone is always there to ruin it. But I cant wait to see how Phili does with this!
Title: Re: Philadelphia PA: Gender-Neutral Restrooms Become the Law
Post by: Olivia P on February 20, 2014, 11:37:09 PM
Post by: Olivia P on February 20, 2014, 11:37:09 PM
Quote from: ThatgirlClare on February 09, 2014, 08:54:47 PM
I think having uni-sex bathrooms is a great thing for us, but then you have the issues everybody knows about. It's just like everything else, someone is always there to ruin it. But I cant wait to see how Phili does with this!
I remember when I was in year 2 at school (uk system) we had a "unisex" toilet system, however I got told off for using a sitting down one because I needed a number 2. Apparently it was only acceptable for boys to use the urinal and girls to sit down.
To this day I still don't understand how or why they decided they was in a position to tell me off
Title: Re: Philadelphia PA: Gender-Neutral Restrooms Become the Law
Post by: mac1 on March 08, 2014, 01:21:56 PM
Post by: mac1 on March 08, 2014, 01:21:56 PM
I would like to see all public restrooms be multi-user unisex facilities with fully private stalls and no open urinals. That would save space by not requiring female, male, individual or family facilities.
Why should this be a problem?
Why should this be a problem?