FLUSHING OUT PUBLIC WASHROOMS

 

 

MultiUse Public Washrooms

Awhile back I remember the suggestion of a significantly new concept: no more segregated (gender-specific) public washrooms. There was an expected sudden uproar from the familiar segment of society that will not embrace change. Their instant reaction to anything new or different is always negative, and this was no exception. 

I, being me, do not jump onto those bandwagons. I stop, think, discuss, listen, experience, and then decide.

The subject popped up again on a Facebook posting from a dad speaking at a Council meeting, outraged about the plan to eliminate segregated public washrooms. From his rage I knew he had not engaged in any non biased discussion about the proposal nor had he any clear concept of what a non segregated human waste disposal room would look like. 

Of course if one’s mind can only imagine that room being open concept with urinals and standard toilets in the same open area, I can understand the rage or concern. Watching a man use an urinal or watching a woman insert or pull out a tampon seems outrageous and perhaps even a breach of human rights! Understandably non-visionaries would loudly and instantly react negatively. Visionaries would react that way also, perhaps not loudly but with some skepticism if that was the case. But, one difference — visionaries would reserve judgment.

I have to admit to some skepticism about this at first; but, as usual, I patiently awaited an opportunity to actually see and experience this new concept first hand.

One such experience was at a coffee shop where there were two single use washrooms. In other words, each room had one toilet and one sink. Usage was for the first in line. Very logical. We have the same rule in our domiciles.

My second experience was at the Burnaby Art Gallery where the public washroom area is semi open concept. The wide open entry to the large open space has no doors. The sinks, soap dispensers and dryers are visible to the open entry corridor, and across the floor are toilet stalls with floor to ceiling solid walls and a lockable floor to ceiling door. It could not be more comfortable and pleasant. I have since heard most universities use this HUB model, and other examples are evident in public buildings across the world.

As is true with anything new or different, a change in public policy is difficult for some more than others. Experts in security have likely been or will be involved in designing or redesigning public washroom spaces. I do have full confidence that safety and privacy is, and will forever be, job one in the work ahead.

My suggestion to the leery is to personally check out the gender neutral public washroom concept. Give it a try. You might surprise yourself and wonder what took us so long to get here!