Regardless of what gender you are, everyone needs to use the toilet. However, recently, there was in outcry in Singapore over a “gender-neutral toilet”.
A picture of said gender-neutral toilet was uploaded to the SgFollowsAll Instagram page yesterday (17th August). The toilet was reportedly found at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre and curiously enough, caused much ado among netizens.
The centre had marked out their toilets with the two usual symbols representing the two genders. However, a different toilet was marked with a combination of the male and female signs and an explanation of the toilet was written above it. “Gender Neutral Toilets,” the sign read. “This restroom may be used by any person regardless of gender identity or expression.” However, netizens didn’t seem to be too happy with it.
“Couples will be like: “finally we can go (to the) toilet together!”” one quipped. Another pointed out the handicap sign beneath the gender-neutral sign, saying: “Handicapped toilets are gender-neutral. This has always been since the him/he, her/she thing started. Don’t be so woke, please.” A few questioned why the label “gender-neutral” was required. “Why can’t they just called it a Unisex toilet instead of using a woke label?” one asked.
Others were focused on unintended consequences of reassigning the toilet. A netizen opined that handicapped people would have to wait to use the toilet now, if they were required to share. One added they felt it was a bad idea. “CREEPS and PERVERTS are always hidden in plain sight, no one knows who or what can happen. I appreciate the thought but no. (Even) so you wanna use this toilet, just don’t go alone,” they commented.
According to AsiaOne, a spokesperson from the centre confirmed they had temporarily designated the gender-neutral toilet. Apparently, this was done at the request of the Wikimania 2023 organisers for their event, held 16th to 19th August. The gender-neutral toilets were apparently a converted female toilet with cubicles.
The toilets were reportedly part of Wikimania’s effort to ensure inclusivity and comfort for their attendees as their theme this year is “Diversity Collaboration. Future.”. So, we can understand why they felt it necessary. Well, what do you guys think about these gender-neutral toilets?
