Gender-neutral toilets

The number of gender-neutral toilets across the university campuses is set to increase.

Currently, there are gender-neutral toilets at our Grand Parade Main Building, and the Aldrich Library, Moulsecoomb Campus. The Equality and Diversity Committee, Chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Debra Humphris, recently agreed to more by converting existing single toilet cubicles and some disabled access cubicles to gender neutral facilities. The proposal has been ratified by the University Management Board.

The aim is to have gender neutral toilets available in each building by the end of the Easter vacation, ready for students’ return to campus. Gendered multiple cubicle toilets will still be available alongside the new gender-neutral single cubicles.

Professor Humphris said: “I am delighted we are taking this step forward, to become more inclusive and to building this in to future facilities. Thanks to all concerned for all the work to get us to this decision.”

Lorcan Bevan, student and LGBTQ+ officer and trans* rep’ with the Students’ Union explained why gender neutral toilets were needed: “They are incredibly important because – personally I have a lot of trouble. I can’t use male or female bathrooms. The female ones don’t feel right for me and the male bathrooms are too intimidating…so I always have to use a disabled bathroom but then if someone tries to open the door I get this intense anxiety, that you have to validate yourself because you don’t look physically disabled…”

Lorcan said trans* people were suffering abuse, violence and discrimination when they use gendered toilet facilities.

For further information about the university’s plans for developing gender-neutral toilets, please see this handy FAQ.