I don't think you belong in here: The impact of gender segregated bathrooms on the safety, health, and equality of transgender people

The current study presents reflections from transgender youth regarding experiences with toilet access, both in isolated gender-neutral facilities and standard gender segregated facilities in North America. Transgender youth experience barriers to bathroom access that can contribute to negative mental health outcomes, impede educational functioning, and threaten physical safety. Recommendations are made for gender inclusive designs that diminish the isolation of gender-neutral designs and preempt the backlash inherent in existing gender segregated practices. Gender inclusive bathrooms, in addition to the benefits to transgender people, could also contribute to better quality of life for parents of small children, people with disabilities and their caregivers, and other marginalized individuals.

Automated summary

This study reflects on the experiences of transgender youth with toilet access in both isolated gender-neutral facilities and standard gender segregated facilities in North America. Transgender youth face barriers to bathroom access, which can have negative impacts on their mental health and educational functioning, as well as threaten their physical safety. The study recommends gender inclusive designs to reduce the isolation of gender-neutral facilities and avoid the backlash associated with gender segregation. In addition to benefiting transgender individuals, gender inclusive bathrooms could also improve the quality of life for parents of small children, people with disabilities and their caregivers, and other marginalized individuals.