YMCA gets gender neutral changeroom
NEWS / New "universal" lockerroom designed with trans community in mind
Neil McKinnon / Ottawa / Monday, November 08, 2010
http://www.xtra.ca/public/Ottawa/YMCA_gets_gender_neutral_changeroom-9398.aspx (http://www.xtra.ca/public/Ottawa/YMCA_gets_gender_neutral_changeroom-9398.aspx)
A new universal changeroom is open to the public at the Argyle St YMCA.
The universal change- and shower-room is located in between the pool and the men's and women's changerooms. The end of the changeroom leads to the pool entrance.
It replaces old changerooms in the corridor leading to the pool, which used to be known as the "family" or "disabled" area. Anyone of any sex or age can use it. The new universal change room is not meant to replace the traditional same-sex change rooms.
"We chose the term "universal" to be inclusive, so the transgendered community would feel comfortable in that space," says Tosha Rhodenizer, YMCA vice present health fitness and recreation.