Bathrooms 101

id: a sign that says “All Gender Restrooms” with Braille below it.

Article By Max Tran (he or they)

Click here to download Bathrooms 101 as:

An audio file - A4 print size (1 page) - a large A4 print/mobile version - a plaintext doc


We all use the bathroom. However, this seemingly simple task can be difficult and distressing for trans and gender diverse people thanks to binary (male or female) bathrooms. 

Firstly, requiring trans and gender diverse people to use a toilet that does not align with their gender is discrimination, as stated in the Sex Discrimination Act (2013).

Individuals should be able to use the bathroom that best affirms their gender regardless of where they are at in their legal, medical or social transition. (Ie: bathroom usage should not be restricted based on how people look, what their legal gender marker is, or whether or not they've had gender affirming surgery or hormones.)

Below, I will cover how you can best make your bathrooms inclusive to trans and gender diverse people:



1.     Signage

Signs are the first thing we look for when going to the bathroom. Trans people may not feel safe or appropriate using either the men's or women's bathroom.

It's best to keep it simple and remove gender from the sign altogether. This can be done by just saying what facilities are inside (e.g., stalls and urinals, or just stalls). 

There are regulations around what signage can look like and how many bathrooms are required in a building, so be sure everything is in line with building code regulations.

The word "unisex" is used a lot. This means 'suitable for both sexes', and the term 'all-gender' is preferred. 


2.    Sanitary Bins 

If possible, have sanitary bins in all cubicles; or mark the stalls containing bins. People using traditionally 'male' bathrooms may need to dispose of sanitary items too!


3.  Can trans people just use accessible bathrooms (without signage)?

No! Whilst many trans people opt into this as the least distressing bathroom option, it is not preferred. 

Not all trans people are disabled, or have disabilities, and it is unfair to take these bathrooms away from people with accessibility needs. 

Plus, trans people may receive unwanted attention and questioning, or even harassment, for using these bathrooms.


4.  My business needs an all-gender bathroom. Can I put a sign on the door of an existing bathroom, or do I have to install a new bathroom?

The short answer is: yes, it’s possible! It’s best to consult with communities that need access to your bathrooms - not just trans people but people with disabilities, people who are both trans and have disabilities, people currently using your facilities, and any stakeholders.

Our friends and colleagues at the University of Newcastle have consulted with students and staff with disabilities, as well as trans and gender diverse people, and people who belong to both communities, as well as other stakeholders. The solution they came up with after this process was to have “Inclusive Toilets” - inclusive of all abilities and all genders.

Several proposals have been put forward to building code authorities to mandate at least some all-gender bathrooms in new buildings.