Toilets beckon to all, regardless of gender

Some cafes, restaurants and bars in Beijing have posted signs designating public toilets that can be used by anyone regardless of gender identity.

Some cafes, restaurants and bars in Beijing have posted signs designating public toilets that can be used by anyone regardless of gender identity.

The "All Gender Toilet" placards include a figure with a dress, another in trousers and one with half dress and half trousers.

All-gender toilets are intended to benefits the transgender population and others who fall outside traditional gender classifications.

"I support the idea because I believe it will contribute to social tolerance," said Zhang Lin, manager of Cafe Zarah in Dongcheng district. "Despite differences of appearance, all people should be equally respected."

Beijing Gender Health Education Institute, an NGO, launched its citywide "All Gender Toilet" campaign in May.

Cafe Zarah was the second to join the campaign. Zhang said the inside of the washroom has not changed - only the sign, which welcomes all.

"All-gender welcomes females, males, lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders. In my opinion, such tolerance and respect also covers the elderly, children and the disabled," Zhang said.

More than 30 organizations - mostly cafes, bars and nonprofit organizations - have committed to make gender-friendly toilets available. UN Women and the UN Development Programme also joined the initiative.

Any organization participating in the campaign and installing the sign gets a special certificate and will be included in the institute's gender-friendly map, according to Yang Gang, the group's sustainable development project manager.

He said dozens of gender-friendly businesses, UN branch offices and not-for-profits based in Beijing have joined the effort.

"Some people may have trouble using a restroom designated for male or female only, such as boys with long hair, girls with short hair or people who dress gender-blind," Yang said.

He added that narrow toilet distinctions trouble fathers with little daughters or mothers with little sons, as well as people - for example, a disabled or elderly person - who may need help from a friend or relative of a different gender.

They are already becoming the norm across college campuses in the United States and the United Kingdom.

According to a report by Time magazine, there are more than 150 schools in the United States that have all-gender restroom facilities.