Bathroom problems

[flylock shox]

No, it's not what you're thinking.

A working group in Vancouver (and no doubt other bodies elsewhere across the country) is struggling with the issue of gender identity and bathroom iconography.

Basically, they're trying to figure out how to accommodate the biological needs of trans-gendered people in the traditionally male/female realm of bathroom labelling.

So far, the best they've got is a new 3-room icon system: one showing a shower (where you can shower); another showing a toilet (where you can relieve yourself); and a third showing a clothes hanger (where you can presumably hang up your jacket or obtain a cheap abortion).

I'm all for inclusivity, but this debate causes me some concern. My number one worry is that they'll get rid of urinals under the new regime, whatever it ultimately ends up being, because they're gender exclusive. That would be a tragic loss to men (who will have to touch stall door handles and other grotty bathroom stuff, not to mention the loss of peeing efficiency) and women (who will now have to trust the guys who used the toilet before them to have lifted the seat or have aimed impeccably - neither of which we're likely to do, particularly since the loss of our urinals will have filled us with spite and nihilistic rage).

But what form of universal bathroom system could work for everyone?

How many different rooms does the species need?

How should each be equipped?

And most importantly, what signs should we put on them?

Serious answers only please, as I need this for a school project.

[Daradon]

Well there's already icons for family bathrooms. As well, there are unisex bathrooms in several places, though I can't think if there's an icon for them. But I guess I'm thinking what about an icon for an 'anyone can enter', sort of idea.

I agree losing urinals would be a bad idea too. Two things you didn't include is they grealty reduce time spent and lineups, and are also far better for the environment by using far less water. Though, it's already far more accepted for women to be in mens washrooms, than men in womens, so I don't think they would go anywhere. I don't think women would have a problem with them in any washrooms that they might also use.

[icecube]

Maybe they could have dedicated urinal rooms only. I agree, losing the urinal is not an option.

[Hockeyguy15]

How is this any different than when you were out at the bar taking a leak, and girls came in to use the guys bathroom because the line for theirs was too long?

It's just pee.

[Ducay]

Lady stick figure signs with a cutout for a wang?

Or maybe a Thai flag?

[Northendzone]

what % of the population is transgendered?

Where does teh catering to the small minority of people stop?

[Rathji]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

what % of the population is transgendered?

Where does teh catering to the small minority of people stop?

Does it bother you if someone is in another stall and using a broomstick or a taco?

I tend not to look at their genitals while they are pissing, but maybe I am just strange.

I don't care how they do what they do in the stall as long as it is clean enough for me to use when they are done and they close the door while they are doing it. I find people have more problems with the former than the latter though.

[GP_Matt]

Is it wrong to put up two stick figures, one with a skirt and another without? They already do that in a lot of spots that have only a few single stall bathrooms.

Or, how about the old W/C sign with no gender specified?

[calgarygeologist]

I've used unisex washroom in Europe before and it was never a problem. There were stalls and urinals and in many case the sink area was separate from the toilet/urinal area.

I wonder if feminists in Canada/North America will be onboard with unisex washrooms. I can see the issue of safety becoming a big concern.

[northcrunk]

Vancouver is no good

[llwhiteoutll]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

I wonder if feminists in Canada/North America will be onboard with unisex washrooms. I can see the issue of safety becoming a big concern.

I'd love to see a rational argument behind the assertion that unisex bathrooms are lees safe than gender exclusive.

[Hatter]

I don't see this as an issue. If you identify as female, use their washroom. If you identify as female and have a penis, use the urinal for efficiency. Or don't. Who cares?

Washrooms are identical except for urinals. Stalls provide privacy for both genders.

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by llwhiteoutll

I'd love to see a rational argument behind the assertion that unisex bathrooms are lees safe than gender exclusive.

I'm not claiming unisex washrooms are or would be less safe for females but I can guarantee it would be an issue that will be raised by female groups.

[Galakanokis]

There are already a lot of unisex bathrooms in Vancouver especially in the higher rent areas where bars, shops tend to be on the small side. Most of these are small single stall bathrooms type places so you are kind of forced into it.

We put it a unisex bathroom in the new VFX building we did in Yaletown almost two years ago. It was more around the shower stall but we had to make it a bathroom for code or soemthing, can't quite remember. We also have your standard gender specific bathrooms as well. No issues that I know of. People are reminded that they are suppose to be professional, adults and to act accordingly.

[Rathji]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

I'm not claiming unisex washrooms are or would be less safe for females but I can guarantee it would be an issue that will be raised by female groups.

So we should be concerned about issues people raise that have no basis in reality?

Why?

[RW99]

Mens washrooms are the cleanest, stay out ladies!

[Daradon]

What about having a toilet icon for one, and a urinal icon for another, and a family for the last one. Then people can just pick and choose what they need or want at the time.

I total don't get the coat hanger icon, haha.