Updated toilet signage

A small step towards diversity and inclusion

The Directorate of Eawag, in collaboration with the Equal Opportunity Committee (EOC), has decided to adapt the toilet signage. The new signage should better signal that it is generally permitted to use the restroom that corresponds to one's gender identity.

Aims and Advantages of the New Labels

  • The signage focusses on the characteristics that are relevant to the choice of restroom. Stereotypical gender representations are avoided.
  • Gender-neutral toilets are available, provided that the structural conditions comply with the legal requirements for this purpose.
  • There are also still separate toilets for men and women. A "+" has been added to the labeling to emphasize that it is not the outward appearance but the own gender identity that is decisive.
  • People who do not clearly identify with a gender and trans people can choose the restroom they feel most comfortable using.
  • Further, the signage was supplemented with Braille, so that people with a visual impairment can more easily find a suitable toilet.

Terms

Gender Identity: A person’s sense of self in relation to their gender.

Trans: A trans person describes a person whose gender identity is not or only partly corresponding with the sex assigned at birth (antonym to cis person)

Further information on the topic of gender identity and explanations of terms