At the end of October, more than 75 single-stall washrooms across campus will be posted with new signs to indicate a gender-inclusive facility. How do you feel about the gender-inclusive signs, and what else would you like to see UVic do to support the diverse communities around campus?
Natalie Wright, third-year English student
“I think that the single-stall washrooms with the new signs that indicate they’re gender-inclusive would be a really great opportunity for everyone to feel comfortable and included in the environment. And like, with UVic being open about it, it makes it easier for other people to feel accepted, not excluded, or feel like they have to fit into some sort of norm . . . it’s like the first big step to letting people like really be who they are.”
Spencer Nicoll, second-year Political Science student
“I mean . . . it doesn’t affect me that much. It’s just kind of like, ‘oh, alright, yeah.’ I mean, who cares? I think as far as universities and stuff like that goes we’re doing pretty well . . . But I suppose there’s always more stuff to do.”
Leslie Ahenda, second-year Writing student
“I fully support gender-inclusive bathrooms because it provides a safe space where everyone knows that they can use the bathroom without fear.”
Lynne Super, library resource staff
“It’s about time. A lot of people are uncomfortable with going to gender-specific bathrooms, so I think it’s awesome this is being brought forward. What else can we do? I think it would be really supportive of people to set aside their beliefs in gender identity in order to make people feel more welcome on campus.”
John Threlfall, Department of Writing instructor
“I feel fantastic about the gender-inclusive bathrooms. It’s the 21st century, so it’s far past the time where we can just use whatever bathroom we need to. We’re all adults and I think we can figure it out. What else should UVic do to support diverse communities? I’ve always wanted to see a ritual circle put on campus for the Wiccan community. UVic has a long history with witches in the Pagan community, going back 30 to 40 years, and I’d love to see a dedicated ritual circle. I know we have the multi-faith chapel, but witches like to practice outside, so I’ve always wanted to see that on campus.”
Holly Lam, fourth-year Writing student
“This is the university trying to make it look like they’re making a difference . . . I mean, using that language is important, but in terms of access that’s not changing anything from what it is now — anyone can use a single-stall washroom. That’s been the solution for trans people for a long time . . . I think that if the university were to put in more gender-inclusive multi-stall washrooms, like the one in the SUB, then that would be a step. This isn’t really the same thing.”
All photos by Kara Toews.
