Gender neutral/all user washrooms in #onted schools.
They've become the latest talking point in the attack on inclusive policies in schools.
If you'll be watching the #OCDSB meeting on Tuesday, you'll hear some things about them.
(1/15)
So let's talk about this, shall we?
They've become the latest talking point in the attack on inclusive policies in schools.
If you'll be watching the #OCDSB meeting on Tuesday, you'll hear some things about them.
(1/15)
So let's talk about this, shall we?
First, for those who are unfamiliar with what "gender neutral" (I prefer "all user") washrooms look like in schools, for most schools they are repurposed staff/adult washrooms.
Single-user, separate from the existing multi-user washrooms, locking doors, sink in the room.
(2/15)
Single-user, separate from the existing multi-user washrooms, locking doors, sink in the room.
(2/15)
Who has permission to use an all user washroom?
> Anyone.
Who must use an all user washroom, by policy?
> No one.
All user washrooms are available for those who want them, but are not intended for one specific group of people.
(3/15)
> Anyone.
Who must use an all user washroom, by policy?
> No one.
All user washrooms are available for those who want them, but are not intended for one specific group of people.
(3/15)
Why might a student choose to use the all user washroom instead of one of the congregated/multi-user washrooms?
> Gender diverse and trans students
> Students seeking privacy
> Students with accessibility needs
> Students with medical needs
> etc.
(4/15)
> Gender diverse and trans students
> Students seeking privacy
> Students with accessibility needs
> Students with medical needs
> etc.
(4/15)
A student may want to remove their hijab and fix their hair in a more private space than the multi-user washroom would afford.
A student may need the space and metal bars to assist with mobility needs.
A student may need to adjust medical devices.
(5/15)
A student may need the space and metal bars to assist with mobility needs.
A student may need to adjust medical devices.
(5/15)
All user washrooms are, as you might infer from the name, for anyone and everyone.
So, why are they the new battleground in the debate on trans-inclusive policies in schools?
Some "concerned parents" think that since these washrooms exist, trans kids should use them.
(6/15)
So, why are they the new battleground in the debate on trans-inclusive policies in schools?
Some "concerned parents" think that since these washrooms exist, trans kids should use them.
(6/15)
The concern, they say, is twofold:
> boys could abuse board self-ID policies to gain access to girls' spaces;
> girls are uncomfortable using the washroom with trans peers.
They say that trans kids should just use these all-user washrooms.
Boom! Solved! ...but is it?
(7/15)
> boys could abuse board self-ID policies to gain access to girls' spaces;
> girls are uncomfortable using the washroom with trans peers.
They say that trans kids should just use these all-user washrooms.
Boom! Solved! ...but is it?
(7/15)
I feel like I can't even touch the "boys will lie about being trans to get into girls' change rooms and bathrooms!" argument because it's so vile.
Boys aren't doing that, first off.
And if they were, the answer is to teach them better, not close inclusive spaces.
(8/15)
Boys aren't doing that, first off.
And if they were, the answer is to teach them better, not close inclusive spaces.
(8/15)
Let's look at the proposed solution: Trans and gender diverse kids can just use the all-user washroom.
Why would that be a problem?
Not all students want to use these washrooms. Some students feel that it's a way of being othered or forced to out themselves.
(9/15)
Why would that be a problem?
Not all students want to use these washrooms. Some students feel that it's a way of being othered or forced to out themselves.
(9/15)
There are, whether you want to believe it or not, trans kids in our schools who socially transitioned before starting school and literally none of their peers know they are trans.
Forcing them to use the all-user washroom outs them.
(10/15)
Forcing them to use the all-user washroom outs them.
(10/15)
Forcing trans students to use all-user washrooms also others them by implying two things: that their presence in another washroom makes others uncomfortable, and that they have no right to use the space designated for their gender. As if they're not REALLY that gender.
(11/15)
(11/15)
While I don't doubt there are some girls who are uncomfortable using the washroom with trans peers, the solution isn't to force trans & gender diverse students to out or other themselves so no one ever has to confront their (often unintentional) internalized transphobia.
(12/15)
(12/15)
The real solution to all of this, #onted, is education.
Students are only scared of sharing a washroom with trans kids because someone told them they should be.
Parents are only scared of boys lying to assault girls because someone told them it could happen.
(13/15)
Students are only scared of sharing a washroom with trans kids because someone told them they should be.
Parents are only scared of boys lying to assault girls because someone told them it could happen.
(13/15)
The idea that trans kids should use the all-user washroom sounds reasonable on the surface, but the message it sends to those students is harmful.
They should always have the OPTION of using an all-user space, but not the REQUIREMENT.
The distinction is important.
(14/15)
They should always have the OPTION of using an all-user space, but not the REQUIREMENT.
The distinction is important.
(14/15)
Finally, if a student is genuinely uncomfortable sharing the washroom with one of their peers, they too have the option of accessing the all-user washroom.
Because the all-user washroom is for everyone.
(15/15)
Because the all-user washroom is for everyone.
(15/15)
Just kidding, one more thing. If you read all of this, cool. I know you're probably not the people who need to hear any of this.
But I hope this perhaps gave you some talking points you can use when disrupting this kind of transphobia in #onted.
#ProtectTransKids🏳️⚧️
But I hope this perhaps gave you some talking points you can use when disrupting this kind of transphobia in #onted.
#ProtectTransKids🏳️⚧️
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