Museums around the world are known for their commitment to inclusivity and community engagement, with many citing these values in their mission statements. However, one crucial aspect often overlooked in these spaces is the provision of all-gender restrooms.
Esme Ward, director of the Manchester Museum in England, emphasized the importance of all-gender toilets in aligning with the institution’s values of inclusivity, imagination, and care. She highlighted the significance of extending care to all visitors, including those who identify as trans or nonbinary.
In recent years, high-profile museums such as the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York and the Baltimore Art Museum have made headlines for introducing all-gender restrooms. These initiatives have been praised for accommodating trans and nonbinary individuals and promoting a more welcoming environment for all visitors.
The Manchester Museum took a collaborative approach to developing their all-gender toilets, working closely with local LGBTQ+ organizations to ensure the facilities met the needs of diverse groups. The museum’s new restrooms feature inclusive signage, baby-changing spaces, and different types of accessible toilets to cater to a wide range of visitors.
In addition to promoting inclusivity, all-gender restrooms also reflect a commitment to good visitor service practice. These facilities are part of a suite of amenities offered by museums to enhance the overall visitor experience, alongside picnic areas and prayer rooms.
While feedback on all-gender toilets has been largely positive, some challenges have arisen. In cases where complaints are received, museum staff are trained to address them by emphasizing the institution’s values of inclusivity and directing visitors to alternative restroom options if needed.
The introduction of all-gender toilets is often inspired by new exhibitions that prompt museums to reconsider their approach to these spaces. Queer heritage researcher Kit Heyam collaborated with the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds to create an exhibition highlighting gender stories, leading to the conversion of a women’s restroom into an all-gender facility.
At the Exploratorium in San Francisco, an experimental toilet intervention called ‘Bathroom Boundaries’ challenged the traditional concept of gendered restrooms and encouraged empathy among visitors. While the museum has yet to adopt official all-gender restrooms, the initiative sparked important conversations about gender inclusivity.
In a time when trans rights are under attack, museums have a unique opportunity to counter transphobia by actively promoting queer inclusivity. Alongside exhibitions and programming that celebrate queer identities, all-gender restrooms play a crucial role in creating welcoming spaces for all visitors, regardless of their gender identity. By embracing gender inclusivity, museums can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
