October 2, 2008 3:58 PM BST
Hi Girls,
I just want to pick up on one of Wendy's points, when she suggested that, to allow a little bit of "social area" for the girls, in a uni-sex toilet, there could be some sort of "divider" between the "lounge areas".
Somewhere, in the dark and distant past of these forums, I posted about a unisex toilet here in Dublin.
I can't remember which thread it was, but that doesn't really matter ................
A resturant that I like to use, when I'm in the City Centre, was fairly recently, re-furbished, and, as part of that work, the toilets were remodeled, and made uni-sex.
The layout of them is the point I want to try and explain here.
The general shape is quite long, with all the cubicals (approx 20) along the long wall facing as you enter through the door, which brings you into the centre of the toilet.
From a "clear area" in the centre of the toilet, two "central islands" of washhand basins stretch down the middle of the room, to the ends. There are facing basins on each island, with mirrors between.
On the other long wall (behind you when you enter, are various sofas and chairs.
Although there is no physical barrier set up, the girls tend to use the left hand side of the toilet, and the men the right hand side.
The way this is achieved is the interesting point !!
The island of basins to the left, is supplied with a range of female toiletries and creams, whilst the right hand island is stocked with male toiletries !
So, without actually separating the two lounge areas, they "separate themselves" by the location of the toiletries supplied.
Quite a neat way to do it I've always thought !!
Hugs,
Angela. xxx.
October 2, 2008 5:08 PM BST
I think this is political correctness gone mad in a way.
A transsexual before transition will likely use the restroom of the gender which they resemble most just as a transsexual after transition will meaning the problem of which restroom to use is mostly a transition problem.
I've seen estimates that about 1 in 10000 people are transsexual which is a small but not insignificant group. But if the problem with the restrooms is a problem for 1 in 10000 people during a limited time of their lives, it's not really that big of a problem when viewed from the outside.
Women don't want men in their restrooms because men make a mess, don't wash their hands and by letting men in you destroy the sanctuary that the restroom provides. Most men don't want women using their restrooms either because it takes women so long in there. In effect, most people LIKE having separate restrooms. Personally I don't like unisex restrooms no matter how they are constructed and I'd just be put off if they were forced on me in the name of political correctness.
To allow men into the ladies restroom or to the changing room at the gym or to the showers at the spa (where does it stop?) to accommodate such a small group of people is uncalled for and will more likely cause resentment rather than acceptance. You can't force acceptance onto others, a lot of people respond very negative to that.
I suggest being humble during transition and to be respectful to others rather than demand they change to accommodate your own needs. If you want to make a statement and act outside the norm, then don't be surprised if others have a problem with it. Which restroom do you think will cause the least problems to use? Use that one.
December 4, 2008 11:10 AM GMT
Just read the threads and I have to say it did make me wonder just who in the Uni could possibly complain. Hmm ok let me explain, being a frequent visitor to Manchester and the pubs and bars there is one place that 99% of the students go to, the place is called Barr Barr, the reason for this is Vodka £1 a shot.
Now thats explained let me tell you all about the toilets they use there, they are not male or female the are gender neutral, the sign on the door just says Toilets. when you go through the door you are presented with 6 cubicals no urinals and a trough to wash your hands in.
No complaints are made everyone just goes to the loo and thats that, now i certainly don't hear people complaining,
Oh now I just thought of France, Holland in fact most of europe that have cheap holidays that students use, again there is never an issue is there, why?
The complainers would not complain if they started at the uni and the toilets had already been changed would they.
Just my ten penneth worth
December 4, 2008 8:48 PM GMT
Of course its political correctness gone too far, so it draws attention to the needs of TG people needing a pee, BUT is also going to bring down ridicule and draw attention in a neagtive way to Tg,s. So now if they want to sit down pee, does that mean they are entitled to use the ''Toilets'' as opposed to the ''Toilets and Urinals'', will the girls also be able to use the ''Toilets'' in the area marked ''toilets and Urinals''?
December 5, 2008 5:09 PM GMT
Christene , once again dear, you beat me to the punch with you're incite. The only thing I can add to whats already been said is the fact that some of these people should adapt a REAL life or maybe take up a hobby such as Bird watching or Rock collecting , something anyway! Ellen S.