Talk:Gender Separated Bathrooms

Hey, great discussion of the social issues surrounding the gendering of public bathrooms. Could it be possible to mention, at the bottom of the page under "Recent change and activism", alternative methods to differentiate services offered in bathrooms? For example, I know certain places offer bathrooms with urinals, and bathrooms with tampons/pads available. They do not differentiate these needs based on gender but make it clear which bathrooms offer which so that individuals may choose which is best for them. I think that discussing more alternatives to gendered bathrooms, and how to adapt currently gendered bathrooms to a less biased format, would be useful here.

Hey! Further to this addition to the discussion I think a discussion regarding the possibility that unisex washrooms may be uncomfortable for various people due to self consciousness or socialization might be fitting. Though you have addressed this in a few sections I think it might be positive to add a section discussing how the new push towards gender neutral washrooms rests on the idea that it will be received positively by the youth and progressive communities; and how this might alienate those that have been socialized to feel self conscious from the opposite sex.

Hi,

I think your topic is very interesting! Not only did you discuss about gender, you have picked one specific subject to evaluate. Gender segregated bathroom is an important issue because it shows the social construction and reinforcement in how gender should be perceived and performed. I think, over all, you have covered some very relevant topics, but I think since you are dealing with gender performance, I thought it would be important to also discuss gender identity and gender expression, as they are all closely related. I also think you could add another section showing the arguments of proponents and opponents in this controversial topic! It would be interesting to see both sides and what they have to say. Another very relevant topic you should mention is how here in Vancouver, the school board is in the process of implementing gender neutral bathrooms in schools! You could talk about the reactions and concerns of parents.

Here I have wrote a section for you, I hope it helps!

Gender Identity and Gender expression: Gender identity and Gender expression, although related and sound similar in meaning, they differ in many ways. According to Ontario Human Rights Commission, Gender Identity is “each person’s internal and individual experience of gender. It is their sense of being a woman, a man, both, neither, or anywhere along the gender spectrum.” Moreover, one’s gender identity may or may not be associated with one’s birth-assigned sex and sexual orientation. Therefore, gender identity is one’s subjective experience. On the other hand, Gender expression is “how a person publicly presents their gender” based on one’s gender identity. This links to a person’s behavior and appearance, chosen name and pronounce. Therefore, while gender identity is internal feeling of being identified to a man or woman, gender expression is external manifestation and expression of gender identity. Due to many kinds of discrimination in respect to one’s gender identity and expression, in 2012 “gender identity” and “gender expression” were included as “grounds of discrimination” in the Ontario Human Rights Code. (http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/gender-identity-and-gender-expression-brochure)