Warwick Pride campaign for gender neutral toilets

Warwick Pride ran a campaign last week to press for the introduction of gender-neutral toilets throughout the university.

With the help of volunteers, they hope to relabel one block of loos (one set of male and one of female toilets) within each department as non-gendered.

People have put signs on toilet doors marking them as non-gendered Photo: Jess Glass

These toilets would be targeted at those who struggle to locate themselves within the conventional gender binary of male and female.

It will also serve trans people who feel unsafe using gendered toilets.

No one should have to fear using university toilet facilities”

Sam Parr

According to Warwick Pride: “For many trans people, using a public toilet can be alienating, difficult and even dangerous.

“No one should have to fear using university toilet facilities”, argues Sam Parr, president of Warwick Pride.

Warwick SU currently has Gender Neutral toilets, but the campaigners hope to secure more throughout the University, as well as in venues in the local area.

Some students find it an uncomfortable experience using gendered toilets Photo: Mackenzie Greer / Flickr

A number of other universities already have non-gendered toilet facilities in place, including Nottingham University and Northampton University.

Campaigners have set up a petition for the cause, and have so far managed to get over 400 signatures.

Supporter’s comments echoed similar thoughts about the need for inclusiveness and acknowledgement of non-binary gender identities.

We are not seeking to abolish gender-specific toilet blocks, only to ensure everyone has a facility they feel safe and confortable using.”

Sam Parr

Several implied that the absence of non-gendered toilets seems to deny the existence of such identities and impose conformity.

There have also been less positive responses to the campaign.

Some doubtful students pointed out the fact that certain religious groups, such as Muslim women, would be unable to use the facilities.

However, as Sam Parr confirms: “We are not seeking to abolish gender-specific toilet blocks, only to ensure everyone has a facility they feel safe and confortable using.

“We realise that women-only spaces can be essential, in particular for some Muslim women, and we completely support that”

If you are interested in learning more about the campaign, you can visit the petition webpage.