Throughout the last couple of years, the North American society has progressed significantly in terms gender equality and LGBTQ rights. Something new that has recently emerged is gender-neutral bathrooms. There are many controversial opinions surrounding this topic as many schools, universities, and even workplaces, are hoping to use these restrooms.
A large conflict concerning the LGBTQ community is the discrimination faced by those who don’t identify under binary genders or do not identify with their given sex. This includes transgenders, genderfluid individuals (those who switch between different genders), agenders (those who are neither male or female), and intersex individuals. Although figures such as Caitlyn Jenner and Laverne Cox have helped shed light on many issues and stigmas regarding the LGBTQ community, tragedies – such as Leelah Alcorn’s suicide – prove that acceptance is difficult and slow.
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One of the central purposes to gender-neutral bathrooms is to create a safe environment for those who may feel uncomfortable or discriminated based on their gender identity. For example, female-to-male transexuals do not identify as female so they cannot comfortably use the women’s restroom. However, there is abuse and stigmatization if they use the men’s restroom as our society is very limited in accepting non-binary/transexual individuals. The gender-neutral bathroom ensures security and prevents discrimination and unease, which is important because using the bathroom is necessary and should be provided regardless of gender identity.
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Personally, I believe that the installation of this new system will provide a sense of security to a large number of the population. Not only do they protect those who do not conform to gender norms, they also spark discussion and education regarding gender/sex and the LGBTQ community. As more schools and businesses approve of the gender-neutral bathrooms, hopefully there is an increase in acceptance and understanding.
Why should discrimination regarding gender identity be abolished? To quote Justin Treadeau: “Because it’s 2015.”
All opinions expressed are based on personal beliefs.
