Unisex Restrooms
by Diane Liegh

There is no reason that women should have to form long lines in order to use the restrooms in public facilities. The practice probably was an outgrowth of the concept of EQUAL facilities for men and women. The equality probably applied more to the floor-space allot- ted than to the use of the floor-space. Whereas men were provided with both urinals and stalls to serve separate needs, women were provided with only stalls to serve both needs. Since urinals take less space, the effective result was to provide more access per time unit for men. In addition to the space usage it is commonly accepted that a man can urinate much more quickly at a urinal that a women can in a stall when you consider the amount of time it takes a woman to prepare and then to repair herself.

In my opinion, the whole problem stems from Americans provincial and prudish attitude concerning the sexes. Americans are constructed no differently than the rest of the people of this world, but, as a whole, they have some ideas that are in marked contrast with the rest of the world's peoples.

While in Asia over 30 years ago, I was initially surprised to find that the only restroom facilities in Tokyo and Bankok served both males and females! While initially a little hesitant, the urge to relieve myself quickly won out.

Any American traveling to these, and other countries with the same outlook must adapt to the situation. Here is the possible starting point for us in the U.S.

If we, the transgendered, could join forces with the women of the US in a Bathroom Union", it would be a win-win situation. If we. as a group and individually, would write to our governmental representatives and business and entertainment enterprises which we sup- port expressing our dissatisfaction with the status quo. just maybe, something might begin to happen.

A move such as this would probably outrage most Americans who only want to keep things the way that they are". It would probably outrage some women who really don't want equality. but just want more. It would also probably outrage many transgendered who only want to use the "other" restroom for its shock value, not as a means of blending in.

The goal of this editorial is to present an idea which I have not heard expressed before and. hopefully. to start a dialog on this subject.


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