Algonquin College Washroom Signage

Posted on Monday, August 26th, 2019

You may have noticed some signs going up in our washrooms that remind everyone that Algonquin College respects everyone’s right to choose the washroom that is appropriate for them. This includes anyone who identifies as a trans person, transsexual, two-spirit, non-binary, genderqueer and/or gender diverse.

As we near the end of Capital Pride Week, and mark the start of a new semester, it’s an opportune time to make sure all of our campuses are safe, for all of our students and staff, in all of our spaces. The safety and comfort for trans and gender diverse people in gender segregated spaces is an ongoing issue. Washrooms should be safe spaces where anyone, regardless of gender identity or presentation, can use the toilet, wash their hands and check the mirror.

There are two great reasons why HR and Student Support Services are seeking to build awareness around this issue.

  1. Gender Identity is protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code, and they provide clear guidance on the issue: “Everyone has the right to define their own gender identity. Trans people should be recognized and treated as the gender they live in, whether or not they have undergone surgery, or their identity documents are up to date. Trans people should have access to washrooms, change rooms and other gender specific services and facilities based on their lived gender identity. Organizations should design or change their rules, practices and facilities to avoid negative effects on trans people and be more inclusive for everyone. Trans people and other gender non-conforming individuals should not be treated negatively while at work, at school, trying to rent an apartment, shopping, eating a meal in a restaurant, using health care services or shelters, dealing with law enforcement and justice services, or at any other time.”
  2. We need to live our values of Caring and Respect. We invite you to take a few minutes and watch Ivan Coyote’s TED Talk entitled ‘We All Need A Safe Place to Pee’. Ivan talks about the impact and importance of safe public washrooms through a powerful story of their lived experience. They advocate for single stall washrooms, but we want to make sure that all of Algonquin’s washrooms are a safe place.

Wait! Won’t this invite potential harassment in women-only spaces such as washrooms and locker rooms?

  • In the U.S., there’s not a single reported instance washroom voyeurism occurring in states with legal protections for trans people.
  • Research into 17 American school districts with protections for trans people, which collectively cover more than 600,000 students, found no problems with harassment in bathrooms or locker rooms after implementing their policies.

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