Flush The Binary
How To Create Safe Restrooms for Everyone.

Have you ever met a toilet paper brand that gives a crap about where you poop? We believe that the space you are in directly impacts your experience with our toilet paper. It's pretty crappy feeling unsafe or unwelcome in a bathroom. We want everyone to be as comfortable as possible, no matter where they poop.

For transgender, gender queer, and gender non-conforming people, bathrooms are often fraught with anxiety and fear.

According to the US Trans Survey, 9% of transgender people reported that someone denied them access to a restroom. In addition, 59% of transgender people have avoided using a public restroom out of fear of confrontation.

We believe everyone deserves to use the restroom without fear of harassment or violence.

This Pride, we are committed to making bathrooms more inclusive for everyone. 

That’s why we are using our platform to amplify the voices of transgender, gender queer, and gender non-conforming people. Interested in taking a stand with us?

Here are 5 ways you can make a difference as an LGBTQIA2S+ ally:

Print out a gender neutral restroom sign

Want a cute way to update the restroom at your school, office, or favorite cafe? Just print out this gender neutral restroom sign and tape it to the door.

Request gender-neutral bathrooms at your workplace

We spend a lot of time at our workplaces, which is why it’s a great place to begin taking action. Here are some resources you can use:

STEP 1: Send a letter

We've put together a draft letter to help our readers advocate for gender-neutral bathrooms at your workplace. This is a good way for ally's to support their transgender and gender-nonconforming co-workers. You can either download the letter as a PDF or edit the sample to write your own. Click here to access the letter. 

 

STEP 2: OSHA backs restroom access for everyone

FYI – you have the backing of OSHA behind your efforts. So if you’re wondering if your employer will take your request seriously, they will!!

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that all employers under its jurisdiction provide employees with sanitary and available toilet facilities, so that employees will not suffer the adverse health effects that can result if toilets are not available when employees need them. You can find this guide here.

STEP 3: Get HR involved

Here’s a sample Restroom Policy for Employers from the Human Rights Council. Many employers need to update their Restroom Policy to include transgender and gender-nonconforming employees. You can help your employer level-up by sharing resources with them to make everyone feel included and welcome. 

Luckily, The Human Rights Council has made a handy Sample Restroom Policy that can be adapted by any HR department – simply share this link with them along with a message like, “As an employee, I feel it’s important for everyone to feel they have a safe place to use the restroom. Our organization should consider updating our restroom policy to be inclusive of all genders. Here is a sample policy from The Human Rights Council you can reference when making updates to our policy.”

Sample Restroom Guide for K-12 School Educators on Bathrooms and Locker-Rooms from HRC

Whether you’re a teacher, staff or a parent/guardian of a student – this guide helps schools support transgender students/staff so they can safely, comfortably, and successfully navigate school each day. This guide is relevant to all grades and makes specific recommendations based on students' ages and development stages. All students and staff members deserve a supportive environment where they can focus on education.