Gender Segregated Bathrooms: A Case Against and an Alternative

"Stay in your own lane." It matters because it ensures the safety and comfort of individuals, particularly when it comes to privacy and personal safety within shared spaces. Gender segregation, often perceived as a step towards equality, raises significant questions about personal boundaries and societal norms.

Why Does Gender Segregation Matter?

When I don't want a stranger of a different gender in the bathroom with my daughter, it's because of fundamental concerns about safety and personal comfort. The prevalence of gender segregation in public bathrooms often stems from a desire to maintain privacy and a belief that single-sex facilities provide a more comfortable and safer environment.

Racial Segregation vs. Gender Segregation

Let's compare gender segregation to another form of segregation: racial segregation. In the United States, racial segregation in the past (and to some extent, today) has resulted in inferior facilities for people of color, including smaller and less well-equipped washrooms. In contrast, gender segregated bathrooms do not inherently result in inferior conditions. Typically, men's bathrooms feature urinals, while women's bathrooms have stalls, often with more to make up for the lack of urinals. Therefore, while both forms of segregation have their own set of issues, gender segregation can often be viewed as "separate but equal."

The Case for Gender-Neutral Bathrooms

Despite the perceived fairness of gender segregation, gender-neutral bathrooms offer a more inclusive and practical solution. These facilities are typically single stall, which addresses one of the primary complaints about shared spaces: the gaps between stalls. In American and Canadian bathrooms, these gaps can lead to discomfort and even embarrassment for users, especially when multiple genders share the same space.

To address these design flaws, I propose adopting the standard of European public restrooms. These stalls are usually designed to provide better privacy, with no large gaps between them. For example, consider stalls like this:

By adopting this design, we can significantly improve the privacy and comfort of our public restrooms, making them more suitable for a diverse range of users.

Addressing Privacy and Safety Concerns

Before we fully embrace gender-neutral bathrooms, we need to ensure that privacy and safety are not compromised. One way to achieve this is by improving stall designs with fewer gaps, as mentioned earlier. Additionally, we should consider installing cameras near bathroom entrances to monitor access and maintain order. While some may argue that installing cameras is an invasion of privacy, similar measures are already in place in many public areas.

Furthermore, it's important to foster an environment of mutual respect. Many people are uncomfortable or unsafe sharing restrooms with others of different genders. By making clear rules and expectations, we can help alleviate these concerns.

Designing Bathrooms Around Biology

Bathrooms are designed based on the plumbing of the user. Historically, men have used urinals and men's rooms, while women have used stalls. This design is suitable for both genders and has been standardized for public restrooms. It saves time and avoids the need for lengthy explanations about anatomy to young children, which can be awkward and confusing.

While some may argue that gender segregation is about avoiding interactions with different genders, it's more about maintaining order and basic etiquette. Society has collectively agreed that gendered restrooms are appropriate and effective, helping to reduce awkward situations and potential conflicts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while gender segregation may be a solution for some, it is not without its drawbacks. Gender-neutral bathrooms offer a more inclusive and practical approach, while also addressing design flaws. By improving stall designs and fostering a culture of mutual respect, we can create more comfortable and safe public restrooms that cater to everyone.

Keywords: gender segregation, bathroom design, gender-neutral toilet, urinals, privacy