A gender-inclusive washroom is a washroom that anyone can use, regardless of their gender identity or presentation.
An inclusive washroom is one that meets the needs of the user. At UBC, there is a mix of washroom types, including single-occupancy and accessible single-occupancy washrooms, which are typically all-gender. There are also multi-stall all-gender washrooms, as well as multi-stall washrooms designated for women and men, respectively.
Gender-inclusive washrooms at UBC
UBC provides campus maps showing the locations of gender-inclusive washrooms:
Note: These maps reflect information available at the time of publication and may not include recent changes or new buildings. If you have updates or notice missing information, please email info@equity.ubc.ca with the subject line “UBC Washroom Map Updates.” We will share this information with the appropriate teams to support future updates.
Why are gender-inclusive washrooms important?
Everyone deserves to pee in peace. Yet research shows that washrooms are often indicated as one of the least safe spaces by trans, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming people.
Gender-inclusive washrooms are an important part of making the campus safe, accessible, and welcoming for those who don’t feel safe or welcome in traditional washrooms that are only designated for men or women.
Gender-inclusive washrooms can decrease people’s anxiety and fear while using the toilet as there is less of a chance for physical or verbal assault, misgendering, or confusion by other washroom users.
Important note: Not every trans person wants to use gender-inclusive washrooms – many trans men and women want to use gender-specific washrooms that match their gender and affirm their identity.
Are there any gender-inclusive/universal change rooms on campus?
At the UBC Vancouver campus, there are three universal (gender-inclusive) change rooms:
- UBC Athletic and Recreation Centre located in the basement of the Student Life Building; and
- UBC Recreation Centre North has the largest gender-inclusive/universal change room on the Vancouver campus.
Each of these sites also have gender-designated changerooms that patrons can elect to use if they would prefer.
Lastly, there are also two single-user universal change rooms available at the UBC Student Recreation Centre (SRC) on the UBC Vancouver campus.
What kind of signage indicates that washroom are gender-inclusive?
UBC does not always use consistent gender-inclusive signage. The Equity & Inclusion Office is working with relevant stakeholders to encourage the use of consistent signage in alignment with UBC Signage: Interior Signage Guidelines (see Washroom Signage from page 84).
In the case of single-stall washrooms, the goal is to use signage that indicates the relevant fixtures inside, rather than limiting or specifying who may use the washroom.
See below to view the signage for various washrooms consistent with the UBC Brand.
More information
Learn more about Inclusive Washrooms at UBC through the findings report from the 2019-2021 Inclusive Washroom Consultation.
Explore how the consultation informed the development of the UBC Inclusive Washroom Guidelines, which guide the design of Inclusive Washrooms in new buildings on the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses.