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Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion
Home » Gender Inclusive Washrooms

Gender Inclusive Washrooms

York University is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable community where everyone has the potential to feel a sense of belonging and that they are respected. The University will undertake initiatives to enhance the accessibility of physical and virtual spaces for students, staff, faculty, and instructors. Read more about how this commitment under the DEDI Strategy.

This page provides the latest information on gender-inclusive washrooms across Keele campus, a question-and-answer section, a glossary of definitions, as well as links to further resources and support with contact information.

Context

"Access to washrooms is a basic physical need at the core of human dignity for everyone. Yet washrooms cause significant barriers for trans people and are one of the public spaces they avoid most," Ontario Human Rights Commission.

Black and Racialized trans and non-binary people are most at risk of violence. Each person, whether in relation to a gendered or non-gendered washroom, knows which washroom is most appropriate for them.

Maps

Interactive Campus Maps

Select 'Campus, Services, All Gender Washrooms'

Non-Interactive Campus Maps

Community

Support

If you've experienced gender-based violence, please contact the The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education for support.

If you've experienced discrimination and/or harassment when accessing any washroom, please contact The Centre for Human Rights, Equity, & Inclusion for support.

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Gender-inclusive washrooms are needed at York University to assist in creating a safe and inclusive campus. Washrooms have and continue to be a site of violence and harassment for trans and/or gender non-conforming individuals on account of their sex, sexuality, gender identity, and/or gender expression. Gender-inclusive washrooms help to address this violence by creating a culture and space where every community member's gender identity and expression are respected.

Anyone may use a non-gendered washroom regardless of their sex, gender, and/or gender identity.

Female-gendered washrooms can be used by women, non-binary individuals, and gender-non-conforming people, while men's washrooms can be used by men, non-binary individuals, and gender-non-conforming people. Please remember that you cannot tell someone's sex or gender identity by the way they present themselves.

Yes! There are still gendered washrooms at York University. These washrooms are not, however, designated as single-sex. This means that there are still male and female washrooms; however, in male washrooms, there may be a variety of individuals not assigned male at birth using the washrooms, similar to in women's washrooms, where there may be individuals who were not assigned female at birth.

No! All code-protected grounds are honored; however, if you are uncomfortable and are looking for a single-sex washroom, there are single-stall washrooms!

Every York community member has the right to use the washroom free from discrimination and harassment based on Code-protected grounds. This includes safe access to washrooms for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity and gender expression.

Is York targeting certain user groups or individuals through the use of all-gender washrooms and gender-inclusive washrooms?

Many different York University community members benefit from the use of all-gender and gender inclusive washrooms. All-gender washrooms can benefit those who need support in washrooms and receive it by those typically not allowed in the same gendered washroom. They may also benefit people caring for children who may be typically welcomed in the same gendered washroom. These washrooms can also help to protect 22SLGBTQ+ people among other community members.

Please see the Support & Resources sections above.