UWO opens transgendered washrooms
Mon, December 1, 2008
GENDER-NEUTRAL FACILITIES: They can be used by anyone -- those wanting to breastfeed, for instance, or for washing before prayer
   
By KATE DUBINSKI

http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/Local/2008/12/01/7587336-sun.html

Ten gender-neutral washrooms are opening at the University of Western Ontario -- a nod to the transgendered community on the campus.

"These bathrooms are single-stall bathrooms with a universal sign to provide safety and security for all individuals," said Cara Eng, the student council's vice-president of campus issues.

Eng spearheaded the move after going to the Canadian University Queer Service conference in Montreal.

"They're not just for people who are transgendered or who are in transition (from one gender to another). They're for anyone," Eng said.

then they are not transgender bathrooms they are gender neutral bathrooms wish people would get it right.

About 3 years ago (i.e. before I became able to pass well), I went to a conference at a Unitarian church. As soon as I stepped inside, a nice middle-aged church lady walked up and said, intending to be kind and accommodating, "We have transgender restrooms downstairs." She had probably been waiting some time for a trans person to walk in, just so she could offer that, it would be her good deed.

I just looked at her and replied, "Thank you, ma'am. I use the ladies' room." She was caught off guard and stammered, "Oh... that will be fine" and quickly retreated.

She'd learned to be charitable toward trans people, but one concept she had yet to learn was they don't all want to be placed in a separate "transgender" category-- most of us just want to be known as our target gender. Well, it was my fault for not passing.