Promoting Gender Equality Through Integrated Bathrooms:

A Step Toward Social Advancement

Princess Armanalie L. Acebu

Marionne Charisse D. Herrera
Cathriona Jersave L. Huevos
Denice Kate M. Lagamayo
Abigail Pauline T. Ordoñez
Mark Lorenzo Y. Santiago
Khristine Gel R. Santos
Antonette B. Sayenga
Carl Cedrick M. Ulgado

October 2023
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Due to the historical separation of male and female restrooms based on binary gender
standards, transgender and gender non-binary people were excluded and subjected to harassment
and discrimination. In response, proponents of gender-neutral or all-gender restrooms pushed for
inclusivity and guaranteed everyone's safety, regardless of gender identity. These ideas, which
aim to combat discriminatory practices and promote an accepting community, are in line with the
larger LGBTQ rights movement. To create inclusive public areas free from harassment and
discrimination, all-gender restrooms are an essential first step. Non-binary people embrace a
wide variety of gender identities, such as genderqueer, gender fluid, or gender, in opposition to
the standard gender binary of male and female. The distinct upbringings and life experiences
subvert social conventions, emphasizing the nuanced nature of gender that goes beyond a
straightforward binary. Non-binary people negotiate a unique gender environment by challenging
social norms and advocating for gender diversity. Similarly, people who identify as genderqueer
reject traditional gender norms and accept a range of identities that go beyond being male or
female. This word emphasizes how gender is complex and fluid, promoting understanding and
awareness of the range of gender expressions and ultimately leading to a more inclusive society.

In line with Sustainable Development Goal 5, gender-neutral restrooms are essential to

attaining gender equality (SDG 5). These restrooms break down social barriers and foster
acceptance by offering secure and welcoming environments for people with a variety of gender
identities. They fight prejudice, dispel myths, and promote civility in the workplace, as well as
promote equal involvement in public areas, making sure that everyone is welcomed and
appreciated. Additionally, gender-neutral restrooms create a safe environment by lowering the
possibility of gender-based violence (Carlos-Tria et al., 2022). By supporting these institutions,
society promotes equality and legal protection for all people by recognizing their legal rights.
Gender-neutral restrooms promote inclusivity in educational settings by relieving staff and
students of the worry of where to use the restroom while they concentrate on their studies, which
eventually improves student performance. In the Philippines, the promotion of gender-neutral
restrooms plays a big part in reaching Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) on gender
equality. This study helps to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender identity, has equal access
to opportunities by questioning established gender conventions and offering inclusive restrooms.
In addition to easing women's discomfort from lengthy queues at the bathroom, gender-neutral
restrooms address the unique needs of those with impairments and those who need assistance
from caregivers of a different gender. Architects and designers facilitate a more gender-equitable
society by promoting and executing inclusive practices that are in line with SDG 5.

Public restrooms in the Philippines have always maintained gender norms by providing
separate facilities for men and women. But this binary arrangement has frequently resulted in
longer lines for the women's facilities, which is inconvenient and uncomfortable, particularly in
busy areas like malls. It can be difficult for people with particular requirements, such as those
who are disabled or have caregivers who are not of the same gender, to get into facilities that are
suitable for them. Discussions concerning inclusivity, legal rights, and social acceptance have
been sparked by the proposal for gender-neutral restrooms, sometimes known as a third restroom
option. This proposal sits at the crossroads of social development and conventional standards.
Proponents contend that by creating an atmosphere of acceptance and respect, these restrooms
offer transgender and gender non-conforming people a haven (Barnett et al., 2018; Vigneau et
al., 2023). But amid these hopes are actual roadblocks and difficulties based upon deeply held
beliefs. The acceptance of gender-neutral restrooms represents a big step toward inclusivity in
society. These areas support people's varied needs, irrespective of gender identification, and
foster an environment where everyone is respected and appreciated. These restrooms ensure a
more just and equal society where people are not denied their rights based on gender
identification by preventing discrimination and legal disputes (Carlos-Tria et al., 2022; Barnett et
al., 2018). Furthermore, by lowering the possibility of harassment and violence based on gender,
the installation of gender-neutral restrooms improves safety. Regardless of a user's gender
identity, these areas provide safe settings, but resistance ingrained in long-standing conventions
faces the shift toward gender-neutral restrooms. Social and cultural issues arise when the idea of
these inclusive spaces conflicts with cultural ideas and societal norms. Misconceptions and
prejudices fuel this resistance, which makes it difficult for gender-neutral restrooms to be
implemented and accepted (Barnett et al., 2018). The approach is further complicated by
practical challenges. Businesses and public places have logistical and financial challenges when
retrofitting existing facilities and resolving space limits, which makes practical implementation a
challenging task. While gender-neutral restrooms are not expressly required by local rules in the
Philippines, architects and designers can nonetheless influence public spaces to encourage
diversity and challenge social norms (Vigneau et al., 2023). As this article discusses, the rise of
gender-neutral restrooms solves these problems by offering a welcoming environment for all
people, regardless of gender identity.

Though the advantages of gender-neutral restrooms are clear, more research is needed to
understand the unique needs and preferences of different user groups in the Philippine setting.
The third restroom plan, which is intended to serve non-binary people and others with different
gender identities, calls for a more thorough qualitative investigation. While surveying
architecture students at the National University Philippine Dasmarinas Branch is a good place to
start, research in the future should consider the viewpoints of a wider range of stakeholders, such
as advocacy groups, non-binary people, and the general public. To effectively design and
implement gender-neutral restrooms, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the
particular needs, concerns, and experiences of different groups within the cultural context of the
Philippines. This will help address the particular issues that various cultures have and foster a
more equitable and inclusive society. Such research endeavors are crucial to ensuring that the
architectural and design solutions align closely with the lived experiences and preferences of the
people they aim to serve, ultimately bridging the existing research gap and enhancing the
effectiveness of gender-neutral restroom initiatives in the Philippines.
Statement of the Problem

The general goal of the study is to examine the implications of implementing

gender-neutral bathrooms at National University-Dasmariñas and the impact on its community.
Specifically, this study seeks to address the following questions:

1. What will be the impact of installing gender-neutral bathrooms at National

University-Dasmariñas?
2. How does the introduction of gender-neutral restrooms affect the convenience of
LGBTQIA+ students at National University, particularly in terms of accessibility and
ease of use?
3. What problems could arise if the gender-neutral restroom is implemented at the National
University Dasmariñas?

Scope and Delimitation

Through the installation of integrated toilets at the National University of Dasmariñas,

this project seeks to promote gender equality and inclusivity for all. The study focuses on the
potential causes and effects of the lack of a gender-neutral and LGBTQ+ environment.
Furthermore, the perspectives of the students alone will be included in this study; those of the
faculty or staff will not be included.

Five questionnaires and in-depth interviews will be utilized for gathering data in this
research. Only 23 students, or 5% of the projected 443 architecture students enrolled at the
National University of Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines, are included in this study. The period of
this trial is also set to be completed in at most a month.
Significance of the Study

This study aims to promote inclusivity and gender equality by integrating gender-neutral
bathrooms for all the students of the National University - Dasmariñas. The study may be
beneficial to the following presented below:

Students. The student will benefit from this research to create a more welcoming and
inclusive environment for all, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. It will open multiple
perspectives while explaining the advantages of gender equality to one another.

Academic Faculty. The research provision of a suitable environment in which to use the
gender-neutral lavatory will enhance the academic faculty's awareness of the notion and its
significance for gender equality.

National University-Dasmariñas. The National University - Dasmariñas may refer to

this research in terms of providing suitable facilities and guaranteeing a more amiable and
innovative institution as it complies with the university's current norms of inclusivity.

Future Researchers. By gaining concepts and understanding to carry out related

research on the same subject, future researchers can profit from this study. It will supply relevant
literary works, laying the groundwork for their research.
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURES AND STUDIES

This chapter presents critically reviewed related literature and themes from previous
studies regarding the creation of a third bathroom for members of the LGBT community,
architectural take on spaces, gender equality, and other significant variables that past researchers
have found to motivate and affect the said factors.

Review of Related Literatures

Before a wide variety of genders arose and became acknowledged, only men and women
were known by society; therefore, creating gender roles that pertain to a culture's view of how
men and women should act, think, conduct, and execute tasks Men and women undertake
different tasks based on the expectations of their culture. However, this should not be confused
with sex roles, which are biological tasks that can only be performed by men or women, such as
childbearing. Subsequently, four key agents influence gender roles: family, education, peer
groups, and media. Men and women have internalized certain attitudes and expectations as if
they were natural due to their frequent interactions with these four factors, whereas in reality, it is
only a stereotype created by society (Gabato et al., 2022).

As a result of this, those who identify as homosexual have been reviled by the general
public for a variety of reasons. Regardless, these variables contribute to the actual concept of
homosexuality, which contradicts the standards of traditional sexual orientation and culture
(Arizabal et al., 2022). Furthermore, as mentioned by Jocson and Adihartono (2020), the topic of
homosexuality is currently being discussed due to the extrinsic implications and ensuing battles
that occur as LGBTQ individuals and communities seek societal integration. In line with this,
religion has a grip in terms of the glacial advancement toward LGBT rights. Conversely, the
Philippines claims that it is a Christian nation and that granting LGBT individuals identical rights
as cisgender, heteronormative couples is an attack on the moral sensibilities of the Filipino
people. This phenomenon is referred to as the weaponization of religious freedom and the
statement of Christianity's combative character by Cornelio and Dagle (2019).

With that, unisex restrooms are a divisive topic, as evidenced by the close attention
they've received in the media in recent years. The idea that having unisex restrooms could
increase the number of sexual assaults is one of the main objections raised by those against them.
They might be disliked by others for religious reasons. The focus of a large portion of the debate
over gender-neutral restrooms appears to be on youth. An online petition against the installation
of gender-neutral restrooms at a state primary school in London garnered the wrath of numerous
parents, gathering over a thousand signatures. In addition, a lot of people find it embarrassing to
use the restroom in front of others of the same gender, let alone those of a different gender.
Paruresis, also known as "shy bladder" syndrome, is a type of social anxiety in which individuals
experience difficulty using the restroom in public. According to estimates, 4 million men and
women in the UK may be affected, but the true number could be much higher because paruresis
tends to go unreported. Although there is not any information on how using a unisex restroom
affects bladder shyness, it makes sense to believe that having people of the other sex around
would exacerbate the issue. (te cath)

Transgender youth's perspectives on their experiences using restrooms in both traditional

gender-segregated facilities and isolated gender-neutral facilities are presented in the current
study. Teens who identify as transgender face obstacles to using the restroom, which can have a
detrimental impact on their mental and physical health as well as their ability to learn. There are
suggestions for gender-inclusive designs that lessen the stigma associated with gender-neutral
styles and anticipate the negative reaction to the practices that are currently in place that separate
genders. Apart from the advantages that transgender people experience, gender-inclusive
bathrooms may also improve the lives of small-child parents, disabled persons, and their
caregivers, and other marginalized groups. With that, McGuire et al. (2021) conducted a study
that could deliver insights into transgender people's perspectives on the establishment of
gender-neutral restrooms. The results of the associated research further indicate that
gender-neutral bathrooms have benefits contingent upon the target audience, such as avoiding
discrimination, stereotypes, unequal participation, and others; thus, the study that is being put
forward can assist researchers with assessing the expected outcome. Furthermore, this rising
issue has a significant impact on individuals’ mental state. According to Price-Feeney et al.
(2021), transgender and/or nonbinary (TGNB) youths experience higher rates of poor mental
health outcomes than cisgender youths. The minority stress model highlights experiences of
rejection, discrimination and mental health disparities for TGNB individuals. Overall, 58% of
TGNB youths in this sample reported being prevented or discouraged from using a bathroom that
corresponds to their gender identity. Among the TGNB youth who experienced bathroom
discrimination, 85% reported a depressive mood, and 60% seriously considered suicide. These
findings suggest that preventing TGNB youths from accessing appropriate bathrooms is
associated with harmful mental health indicators. Addressing the suicide disparities among
TGNB youths requires structural change. Policies and procedures need to be in place to ensure
that all youth have equal access to appropriate bathrooms.

Gender-neutral bathrooms are favored for their inclusivity, privacy, safety, and
practicality. They create a safe environment for all gender identities, providing comfort and
accessibility for families with young children, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities. They
also reduce queue times, provide a safe space for transgender and non-binary individuals,
prevent harassment and assault, and may be legal in some regions. They are also cost-effective,
especially in high-traffic areas. However, there are arguments against them, such as privacy
concerns, cultural beliefs, and resistance to change. Gender-neutral restrooms are something that
Unitarian Universalists support because they uphold the dignity and inclusivity of all people,
including those who identify as gender non-conforming. Congregations should address any
concerns and provide gender-neutral restroom education to staff, members, and children. One
possible solution could be designating family or single-occupancy restrooms as "gender neutral"
or "all gender," converting multi-stall restrooms into gender-neutral spaces, or enhancing the
inclusivity of already-existing restrooms. It can also be beneficial to speak with landlords and
assign greeters the task of designing gender-neutral restrooms. "Transgender People Need Safe
Restrooms" and "Gender Neutral Bathroom 101" are two resources on safe bathrooms. (te cath)

A gender-neutral bathroom design should be inclusive and comfortable for all users,
regardless of their gender identity. Architectural solutions include single-occupancy restrooms
with shared sink areas, universal accessibility, clear signage, well-lit and well-ventilated spaces,
privacy considerations, inclusive amenities, neutral aesthetics, and user feedback.
Single-occupancy restrooms provide privacy and flexibility, while universal accessibility ensures
accessibility for all abilities. Clear signage communicates the space's inclusivity, while well-lit
and well-ventilated spaces ensure a comfortable and safe environment. Privacy considerations
ensure privacy within stalls and sinks, while inclusive amenities include changing tables,
disposal units, and hygiene products. Neutral aesthetics use neutral colors and design elements
without overemphasizing specific genders. Involving potential users in the design process
ensures their needs and preferences are considered. Consultation with experts in inclusive design
and understanding local regulations and guidelines are crucial for successful gender-neutral
bathroom design. (te cath)

Review of Related Studies

Considering obvious societal concerns with a diverse range of genders and built
environment locations such as bathrooms, building gender-neutral restrooms helps to prevent
discrimination by encouraging gender equality. Gender-neutral restrooms are typically described
as accommodations for transgender and other non-binary people. According to the findings of
Bovens and Marcoci (2020), the use of gender-neutral restrooms has a wide range of benefits,
not just for their users but also for the space being used. According to their simulations,
gender-neutral bathrooms cut average waiting times: whereas waiting times for women always
decrease, waiting times for males either decrease or slightly rise depending on usage intensity,
occupancy-time variations, and the existence of urinals. Furthermore, companies can minimize
the number of facilities and cut expenses by rendering facilities all gender-neutral without
increasing wait times. These observations can be utilized to reposition the gender-neutral
bathrooms argument to ensure it appeals to a broad audience, crossing the normal dividing lines
in the "bathroom wars." Ultimately, improved designs and behavioral methods can assist in
overcoming reluctance and counterarguments that gender-neutral bathrooms are hazardous,
uncomfortable, and unsanitary.
All things considered, public restrooms are an essential component of the building's
design, giving seclusion a universal aspect of the human experience. Because restrooms are used
by every individual, they remain at the core of the architectural conversation about inclusiveness
and accessibility for everyone. Thus, several approaches should be suggested to develop a
paradigm shift in gender equality and safety in the Philippines. First, the required information
must be disseminated, and the locations of single-stall, gender-neutral, or unisex public
restrooms must be published in print and digital media. Next, the existing single-stall public
restrooms must be renovated by installing locks and replacing signs with labels designating that
type of restroom as gender-neutral. Lastly, the construction of new establishments and buildings
currently undergoing renovations must include the creation of single-stall, gender-neutral
restrooms. The study unequivocally supports the implementation of gender-neutral restrooms;
however, its main focus is on the guidelines and processes to avoid conflicts throughout the
transition and to ensure the security of every individual, regardless of their gender identity
(Aguilar 2020). Conventional men's and women's restrooms offer an option, a boundary to cross,
and a decision to make in a fundamental human function that very openly displays your choice of
entry and, so, how you identify. That knowledge of a person's vulnerability and privacy in this
choice has been adopted by architects and designers, who were trained and practiced empathy
and accessibility to all (Vigneau et al., 2023).
 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter outlines the procedures, methods, and instruments used by the researcher to
analyze the information that will be collected. The research design, research instrument,
population and sample, and data-gathering procedure are all covered in this chapter.

Research Design

This study used a non-experimental, qualitative descriptive research design. This method
seeks to gain a complete understanding of the phenomenon under study without the use of
controlled variables or conditions. In-depth interviews, surveys, and content analysis of relevant
research will be used to collect data to further understand the experiences, perspectives, and
circumstances of the participants. The research design is ideal for capturing the intricacies of the
phenomenon and provides significant insights into the topic of interest.

Population and Sampling

The population under study in this research is the Bachelor of Science in Architecture
students at the National University-Dasmariñas. The researchers will choose a sample size of 5%
from the total number of architecture students—443, from freshman to sophomore year—to
guarantee a sample for this study, which will result in 23 participants. Last but not least,
convenience sampling, a subset of non-probability sampling, was used in this study to gather
data from a readily available and accessible population.
Research Instrument

The researchers will collect data from architecture students at the National University of
Dasmariñas through questionnaires and in-depth interviews to explore the feasibility of
introducing a third bathroom that fosters gender equality. The survey will comprise open-ended
questions designed to facilitate the extraction of valuable insights from the participants. This
approach will assist in discerning individuals' perspectives on the concept of gender-equal
restrooms. The following are the open-ended questions:

1. Do you believe that the implementation of gender-neutral restrooms at National

University – Dasmariñas will enhance everyone's comfort and inclusivity, including that
of LGBTQIA+ members? Kindly elaborate on your response.
2. What specific improvements or changes, in your opinion, could gender-neutral restrooms
bring to the student environment to support the accessibility and convenience of
LGBTQIA+ students?
3. If gender-neutral restrooms have been implemented at National University – Dasmariñas,
what concerns, if any, do you personally have concerning their practicality, social
acceptance, or potential for conflict among students?
4. What potential impacts do you feel gender-neutral restrooms could have on the overall
environment on campus to promote equality as well as acceptance of a range of gender
identities and expressions?
5. What challenges or difficulties, in your view, could arise from the setting up of
gender-neutral restrooms, and what methods might be implemented when dealing with
these problems?
Data Gathering Procedure

Adequate time was granted to the researchers to develop five open-ended questions that
would function as a means of gathering data. After giving the list of questions a thorough
examination, the researchers ensured it was sufficient to address the study's research questions.
Afterward, convenience sampling under non-probability sampling is the method used in this
study to get data from the target population, which is National University of Dasmariñas
architecture students.
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