Trans-people happy with separate toilets, but need gender-neutral ones
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The Delhi government has mandated that all its departments, offices, district authorities, municipal corporations, state-run companies and the Delhi Police have separate washrooms for transgender persons. The order further stated that trans-people shall continue to be allowed to use gender-based toilets as per their self-identified gender. The agencies have been given a maximum time of two years to build these exclusive toilets.
For 38-year old transwoman Simran Shaikh, using public restrooms pre as well as post transition was a nightmare. “It is a brilliant move. For me, it was stigmatising to use the men’s washroom before transitioning, and now to use the women’s washroom attracts questions. We are moving towards a progressive India and such initiatives create a beautiful impact,” she says.
There is, however, an opinion about gender-neutrality. Grace Banu, a 34-year old trans-woman, questions, “What about trans-men and queer people? We don’t need separate toilets; we need gender-neutral toilets. These schemes have little impact.”
The need for gender-neutral toilets is felt strongly, more so for creating change in the mindsets. Trans rights activist Abhina Aher says, “The governments need to look into the prioritisation of trans-community needs. Some trans-people feel with separate toilets, you are further stigmatising them.”
Stressing on the need for security, trans-woman Shreegauri Sawant says, “How will you ensure that trans-persons are not using it for nefarious activities? Have a security guard and allow only one person at a time,” she says and adds that the area and location also matter. “Separate toilets in office and malls would be safe, but what about highways?” she questions.
While the decision has drawn mixed reviews, people who have been working to bring about change believe that no decisions should be made without involving the people the decisions are being made for. Activist Harish Iyer says, “I wish to know how many trans-people were consulted before making this suggestion.” He also stresses upon the need for creating awareness around the community and their needs.