Libraries Move Toward Gender-Neutral Bathrooms

In the article Libraries Move Toward Gender-Neutral Bathrooms, Megan Cottrell reports on the move towards gender neutral bathrooms in libraries. Libraries offer members of their communities safe spaces in general. Librarians began to notice that many of their younger patrons did not fit traditional gender norms. The need for the expansion of these “safe spaces” into public restrooms was needed. For patrons that identify as transgender or gender nonconforming need restrooms that are not limited to simply male or female. When restrooms are limited to segregated gender may feel uncomfortable. According to a 2013 study, 70% of transgender people surveyed said that they experienced discrimination in restrooms. Forms of discrimination included being ridiculed, physical abuse, having the police called, being told they could not use the facility, and being asked to leave. Not only are gender-neutral spaces important for spaces in libraries, but also in various other spaces in college spaces.

Cottrell, Megan. “Libraries Move Toward Gender-Neutral Bathrooms.” American Libraries 46.11/12 (2015): 16-17. MasterFILE Elite. Web. 27 Apr. 2016.

Should HPV vaccination be gender neutral?

Smith, Martin. “Should HPV Vaccination Be Gender Neutral?.” CMAJ: Canadian Medical Association Journal = Journal De L’association Medicale Canadienne 187.11 (2015): E337-E338. MEDLINE with Full Text. Web. 27 Apr. 2016.