How can I feel more comfortable with co-ed bathrooms?

Dear a prude, 

Transitioning from a conservative setting to a new culture can be an especially huge leap! You’re certainly not alone in feeling a little freaked out about co-ed, or gender-inclusive bathrooms. But you can wash those cares away as there are ways to create a more private shower situation. Read on to learn more about why there are gender inclusive bathrooms and brainstorm solutions to make your showers more pleasant. 

Why do gender-inclusive bathrooms exist? 

There are many different reasons that gender inclusive bathrooms exist, and a big bonus of these bathrooms is easier access. Gender inclusive bathrooms make it easier for caretakers to access public bathrooms with children or people with disabilities who may be a different gender. Providing people with options helps ensure that they can more easily navigate situations that could cause negative health consequences. 

Gender inclusive bathrooms also help transgender and gender non-conforming folks feel safer. In gender-segregated spaces, transgender or gender non-conforming people frequently experience physical and verbal harassment and negative comments. In turn, many avoid using public bathrooms and, as a result, may face negative health consequences. Research shows that for sexual and gender minority students, feeling unsafe and being rejected from bathrooms at school can even lead to worse academic performance and lower self-esteem. A little goes a long way in terms of gender-inclusive bathrooms, making everyone feel more welcome and secure.  

Additionally, while this isn’t the primary reason that they exist, gender inclusive bathrooms also result in decreased wait times, especially for those who typically use the women’s restroom when they’re segregated by gender. 

Are gender inclusive bathrooms safe? 

Gender inclusive bathrooms, locker rooms, and changing rooms, are no less safe than gender segregated bathrooms. Research supports that places with gender inclusive public accommodations policies actually experienced less crime than places without such policies.  

What can you do to ensure your safety and privacy in dorm bathrooms? 

It’s totally understandable that you may still feel uneasy accessing gender-inclusive bathrooms in your dorm. It may be helpful to keep in mind that the people in the bathroom are there for the same reasons—to get squeaky clean. Additionally, digging a little deeper into your current situation may help you to brainstorm some potential solutions. Here are some things that you may consider for a more comfortable shower experience: 

• Are there gender segregated bathrooms or single stall bathrooms in or near your dorm building? 
• Are there times of day where there tend to be less people in the bathroom? Consider early in the morning or late at night? 
• Do you have any friends who you can go to the bathroom with to make you feel more secure? 

In addition to pondering these potential solutions, you might also consider bringing a big towel to hang over the shower curtain. Doing something like this may help to block its transparency and indicate that the shower is in use.  

Hope this information helps you get a fresh start to your school year!