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Some establishments with gender equality restrooms within, outside Metro Manila
Even before the alleged discrimination of trans woman Gretchen Diez, several establishments have already been providing gender sensitive and inclusive restrooms that cater not only to males and females but also members of the LGBT community.
The debate whether or not to put up such restrooms has been revived following the incident earlier this week involving Diez, who figured in a scuffle when she was prevented from using a women's restroom at a shopping mall in Quezon City.
The mall in Cubao, which failed to put up all-gender toilets, is now facing a complaint filed by Diez for violation of an existing Gender-Fair Ordinance that aims to protect members of the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination.
The ordinance passed in 2014 pushes for the establishment of all-gender bathroom facilities, where anybody can answer nature's call regardless of their gender or gender identity.
Incidentally, the Quezon City Hall and some companies have earlier committed to take the extra step and ensure their gender-neutral bathrooms are provided in their facilities in the city.
AT THE QUEZON CITY HALL: Gender neutral restrooms can be used by a person of any gender identity. Gretchen Diez, who was barred from a woman's CR at a QC mall, is set to file a complaint with the City Pride Council over an alleged violation of the Gender Fair Ordinance pic.twitter.com/u6yGwHBGJh
— Margaret Claire (@MClaireLayug) August 16, 2019
In August last year, Convergys Philippines said it would be installing at least one gender-neutral restroom in each branch in Quezon City.
"The QC Government is asking us to do that in our sites so we're doing that... You don't have to build. You just have to allocate. It's a good thing," Convergys Asia Pacific President Ivic P. Mueco had said.
Gender-sensitive toilets in a farm
Outside Metro Manila, gender-sensitive bathrooms have even become an attraction at a farm tourism destination in Palawan.
All-gender toilets at the Yamang Bukid Farm in Barangay Bacungan, Puerto Princesa City are inclusive in a sense that they cater to all visitors regardless of their sexual orientation. The farm has separate toilets for males, females, gays, and lesbians.
At this "learning site for sustainable and organic-based agriculture," the comfort room of its building roofed with indigenous materials are manned and maintained by elderly women.
The toilets’ designer, Benjie Monegasque, said the wellness farm advocates equality and respect for all guests, regardless of gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.
“This is a reflection of doing business with a heart. Yamang Bukid welcomes and embraces all gender. The Yamang Bukid brand promotes equality, respect and tolerance,” Monasque said. — MDM, GMA News
