Ask the Queer Resource Center
by Readers of The Hoot
October 9, 2009
http://thehoot.net/articles/6693 (http://thehoot.net/articles/6693)
Dear QRC, If I live on a mixed-gender hall with both male and female bathrooms, why would we need a gender-neutral bathroom? Sincerely, Bewildered in B-Tower
Dear Bewildered,
When a person enters a gendered bathroom, they must declare a certain identity: both to themselves, and to whoever may be outside or inside the bathroom. This can be a constant, stifling experience, especially for those who identify under the transgender or intersex umbrellas. Gender-neutral bathrooms, then allow the opportunity to enter a bathroom as an individual rather than as a "man" or "woman." The presence of gender-neutral bathrooms on halls helps to create an inclusive environment for all genders, sexes, and sexualities. Love, The QRC